“Yeah,” I tell him. “I just wanna go change before dinner.” The day started off sunny, but the sky has turned gray and it’s threatening rain. The temperature is dropping and I’m suddenly cold.

So, so, so cold.

“I’m gonna come with you,” Val announces, and she links her arm through mine.

“No,” I tell her. “I’m fine. I promise. I really just need to be alone for a few minutes.”

Val and Lex exchange looks.

“You know you can talk to us, right?” Jude is staring at me with those big brown eyes. He pushes his curls back off his forehead and looks around the group. “We’re all here, if you need us.”

“Thanks,” I tell him. “But I don’t even know what I need right now.” I smile. Try my best to look okay. “You guys just go on to dinner. I’ll catch up.”

“We’ll save you a spot,” Val says. “Okay?”

“Yeah,” I say. “Thanks.”

“Av—” Lex starts. He’s reluctant to leave me, but Jude pulls him along. “Come on,” I hear him say as he slips an arm around Lex’s waist. “Give ’er a little space.” And the three of them start off toward the cafeteria.

I wander toward the cabin, but I change course at the last minute and head across the lawn to one of the hugest trees I’ve ever seen. It’s gnarled and twisted, with branches moving in all directions. Low ones. Like thick arms snaking across the grass. Reaching for something.

Reaching for me, maybe. Welcoming me home.

There’s a tiny stage tucked into the base of the tree, almost totally surrounded by leaves. The Hidden Theatre, they call it. It’s one of the private rehearsal spaces. There are three or four of them nestled in quiet spots around the Whisper Cove grounds.

I step onto the stage, and it’s like I’ve been swallowed by the tree. I’m protected. Safe. And that feels good.

I wonder what kind of tree this is. Dad would know. That’s one of his areas of specialty. Trees. A long time ago, he taught me the names for all the ones we have in Texas. Back when we were still trying with each other.

There are a few little benches, but I choose to sit on one of the giant, gnarled limbs. It’s low enough that my feet just barely brush the ground. I dig Lex’s lighter out of my bag and flick it with my thumb a few times. The last time, I hold the wheel down and the flame glows hot. I hold my palm just above it. I leave it too long, and the pain is intense. I’ll have a blister there. I know it. But I do it again. Just to make sure.

And it hurts like fuck. It hurts so bad. It burns. Turns red. Blisters. Like I knew it would.