The first person we run into is Anne. Of course it’s Anne. She’s by the doorway, talking with a girl I recognize from school.

“Hi, guys.” Anne nods at Lucy, then turns to me. “May. It’s good to see you.” She sounds sincere.

I bite down on my chewed cheeks and take a deep breath before responding. “Yeah. You too.”

“I’m glad you came. I think it’s important for us all to take some time to heal together.” She pauses. “Look. I know you think I’m the most annoying person on the planet, but I have to tell you something. No one blames you, May.”

“Okay,” I reply. It’s the most pleasant exchange we’ve ever had, but I don’t believe her.

Anne’s mouth trembles. “After your speech, our group had a meeting. I know you don’t have any interest in being a part of it, but—May, you should have heard the stories. The guilt you feel—it’s normal. We’ve all been carrying it.” A tear runs down her cheek. She blinks hard and swallows. When she speaks again, her voice is small. “You need to hear this. It’s not easy for me to say—to remember. The week before the shooting, I told my sister I wished she’d never been born. I never said I was sorry. And then she was gone. You weren’t the only one who did shitty things. No one blames you.”

I look at the floor. The carpet is scuffed and worn. I look back up, into her eyes, and nod. “Thank you.” My voice wavers. I know this isn’t an easy gift she’s giving to me; it’s one that hurts and breaks her heart, and I appreciate it more than she’ll ever know. I reach out and put a hand on her arm. She clasps her hand over mine.

“I don’t know if you know this, but in the past couple years, Jordan and I became pretty good friends. We were lab partners, and he was so freaking funny.” She gives a little laugh. “I really miss him. I really miss all of them.”