Evelyn POV
Kelsey was already dressed in her training gear, her hair tied back in a tight ponytail, every strand perfectly in place. Kelsey had an uncanny ability to look put-together at any hour of the day, a skill I envied, especially when I caught a glimpse of my own reflection in the small mirror by the window. My hair was a tangled mess.
“Give me ten minutes,” I grumbled, reaching for the comb.
Kelsey’s laughter followed me into the tiny bathroom as I splashed cold water on my face. By the time I’d tamed my hair into something manageable and pulled on my own clothes, Kelsey was pacing by the door, practically vibrating with anticipation.
“Ready?” she asked.
“As I’ll ever be,” I replied, grabbing my sunglasses and mask. I hesitated for a moment, staring at them in my hands. Wearing them felt like a necessity now, a shield between me and the world. But it also felt like a reminder of all the things I’d rather forget.