~TESSA'S POV~
My fingers trembled as I wiped my cheeks. The tears were warm, embarrassing, and I hated that they had managed to escape at all. Sophie stood beside me, quiet now, fiddling with a leaf she had plucked from the ground. I forced myself to swallow the rest of the ache in my throat.
"I think I'm done for today," I said, clearing my voice quickly so nothing cracked.
Sophie looked up immediately. "Tessa… I'm sorry. I shouldn't have mentioned Anabel. I wasn't thinking…"
"It's fine," I cut in.
"It's not…"
"Sophie." I forced a small smile. "I'm not angry. I promise. I'm just… tired."
She studied me like she didn't quite believe it. "I didn't mean to hurt you."
"You didn't," I said again, gently this time. "I just need to walk a bit. Clear my head before going home."
Sophie bit her lip. "You sure you don't want me to come with you?"
"No….stay here. I'll be okay. I just need air, not questions."
