chapter 16

Closure and New Beginnings

Nora confronted Alex, "You're not invited. Why are you here?"

Alex replied, "I came to apologize. I realized competing with Liam wasn't worth it."

Liam was skeptical, "You're apologizing for real?"

Alex nodded, "I hate apologizing, but I must."

Liam accepted, "I forgive you."

Nora intervened, "Thank you, Alex. You may leave now."

As Alex departed, Nora announced, "The party can continue."

Later, a mysterious text read: "Come meet me upstairs."

Curiosity drew me in. I informed Liam and left.

"Hello?" I called out upstairs, before a sudden blow struck my head.

"Die, Amy," Anna snarled, wielding a stick.

I defended myself, weakened by blood loss.

"I won't die," I vowed. "Dad's waiting."

As Anna attacked again, I blocked her, but my vision faded.

Josh shouted, "Call the ambulance!"

Liam pleaded, "Stay with us, Amy."

I awakened in a new environment, feeling pain.

Dad rushed to my side, "You're awake!"

"How many days was I gone?" I asked.

"Three days," he replied. "You're fine now."

The doctor confirmed, "She needs rest."

Weeks passed, friends visited, and Liam stayed by my side.

Anna was taken to a psychiatric hospital.

As I recovered, we shared video calls.

A week before resumption, we reunited.

"I've missed you guys," Emily said.

"Me too," I replied.

"We're glad you're better," Josh added.

Nora suggested, "Group selfies!".

We laughed, and I cherished my newfound friendships.

The next semester beckoned, full of uncertainty.

But with friends and Liam, I was ready.

THE END.