Chapter 7 Sloane's lips curved into a faint, self-mocking smile. She couldn't believe she'd actually let herself hope, even for a second. Lena spotted her standing nearby, her eyes flickering as she smiled sweetly. "Miss Quinn! Julian's taking me to the new theme park today. You should come with us!" Julian's reply was immediate. "Why would we bring her? I don't want her there." Lena tugged playfully on his arm. "It's more fun with a group! And I've already forgiven Miss Quinn for what happened. You should try being around other people more, Julian. It's good for you." He went silent for a moment, but then said nothing more in protest. Sloane's heart gave another painful jolt. He had already been trained to give in, simply because Lena asked. She hadn't wanted to go, but refusing would only cause another scene. So she quietly followed them. At the amusement park, Lena was radiant with excitement, dragging Julian to ride everything in sight. He kept his attention solely on her, following her onto the carousel, the roller coaster-rides he once would have sneered at, finding them noisy and pointless. When they came across the haunted house, Lena's eyes lit up. Sloane couldn't help but interject. "Julian, you know that kind of environment isn't good for you. It's too overstimulating." One of the hallmarks of his autism was difficulty processing chaotic, high-stimulus environments, often leading to meltdowns. But Julian's expression hardened at the sight of Lena's sudden disappointment. He cut Sloane a cold glance. "Stay out of my business." With that, he bought tickets and went in with Lena. Sloane had no choice but to follow. Inside, the lights were dim, eerie sounds echoing, actors leaping out in grotesque costumes. Lena shrieked repeatedly, clinging tighter to Julian each time. Though his body was stiff, he still shielded her in his arms. Sloane trailed behind them in silence, feeling as though there was a chasm between her and the pair up ahead, locked together in their own world. At a sharp turn, a "zombie" suddenly lunged at Lena. Chapter 7 4.61% She screamed and jerked back, her elbow slamming hard into Sloane's eye. Caught off guard, Sloane staggered back and her lower back slammed against a jagged edge of a fake rock prop. Pain shot through her body. She gasped, folding over as warmth spread across her dress, Blood, Lena finally turned, her voice trembling with manufactured guilt. "Miss Quinn? What's wrong? Are you okay?" Sloane was in too much pain to answer. When silence met her, Lena burst into tears. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to! I was just scared! Julian, it was an accident!" He held her close, his voice gentle. "I know. It's okay." Then he turned to Sloane, still bent over and pale. His tone was sharp with irritation. "She's apologized. What more do you want?" The chill in her chest pierced deeper than the ache in her waist. Straightening with effort, she shook her head, voice hoarse. "...Nothing. I'm fine." Outside, Julian and Lena quickly forgot she existed, moving on to the next ride. Because of her injury, Sloane's steps were slow. Soon she lagged far behind, watching them grow smaller against the orange glow of the sunset. She watched Julian tilt his head to listen to Lena, his eyes filled with warmth and focus she had never once received. The sight drained what little strength she had left. She stopped walking, pulled out her phone, and sent him a message. [I'm not feeling well. I'm going home.] Then she turned, alone, and limped toward the exit, heading for a pharmacy to tend to the swelling bruise on her waist. Chapter 7 4.61% Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!