Nathan got home shortly after, the events of the day replaying in his mind like fragments of a storm he had already walked through. The small living room felt quieter than usual, his grandmother seated on her favorite chair, murmuring softly as she sorted through old magazines. For a brief moment, everything felt almost… normal.His phone vibrated.Aaron.Nathan answered just as another call came through—John. He merged the calls.“Bro!” Aaron’s voice came through loudly. “Are you coming to the ESU Gala or what?”Nathan smiled faintly. “Yeah. I’ll be there.”John laughed. “That’s my guy. So—big question—are you coming with a date?”“Not really,” Nathan replied honestly. “But I’ll still come.”Aaron whistled. “Bold move, man. Especially after everything that went down with Amelia last night.”John’s tone softened. “By the way, where have you been all day? The whole campus is buzzing. The story spread like wildfire.”Nathan hesitated for half a second, then spoke calmly.“My grandmother