Chapter 80 ~ Earned it!

ATHENA

Looks of pity.

I detest them—and I'd rather not receive any.

They feel like quiet judgments wrapped in sympathy. Like everyone's saying, "poor Athena", without ever opening their mouths.

Noah and Sloane have been so quiet, I didn't even realize they were still in the

room.

It's only when I feel the warm weight of a jacket settle over my shoulders that I notice Noah beside me.

He doesn't say much. He never does when I'm hurting. But the way his eyes soften, the way he avoids looking at Alex's direction, says everything.

He's angry and is having a hard time keeping that in check.

"Let me drive you home," he murmurs.

"I'll come with you," Sloane says, stepping forward. But Noah shakes his head.

"Stick around. Keep me updated."

A flicker of protest dances across her face, but then I give her a small, tired smile. "I'll call you."

She nods, and I can tell she wants to say something more but doesn't.

I step over to Ariana and pull her into a brief hug, then turn to Giana.

She looks... spent. Like every last ounce of strength has been drained from her bones. She sits on the couch, her expression so far away, her eyes glistening.

A pang of guilt stabs me in the chest.

Alex has always been careful to shield her from stress. To keep his demons behind a well-mannered front when she was near.

tonight, he

for who he

I did that.

the match that

guiding me to the

around me like a second skin. But

Eli do to

stirred up in

wave of guilt slams into

Maybe I should've let

then I remember what

know I had every right

six months

"Congratulations, Dawson! You've

Dr. Lin says, her voice filled with pride

letter confirming my promotion.

"PGY-2. You've earned it."

room, but it's a gentle,

screaming and kicking was allowed, I would have already been on the top of my

time in over a year that my heart is feeling something

smile and nod, thanking them, my fingers tightening slightly around

paper. Ink

But to me?

sweat, and

endless pages of notes, whispered prayers,

bathroom when no

looked in the mirror and

girl Alex

woman

But Athena Dawson.

it, I earned

ree

It helped me a lot. At first, I was afraid and ashamed because

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