CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY - What Do We Do Now?

"I... I need some air," Nia managed to choke out, her voice barely above a whisper. She considered fleeing, every instinct screaming at her to run, to hide, to protect herself from the past that had suddenly materialized in front of her. But her feet felt rooted to the spot, as if the very earth was conspiring to keep her there. As the mayor's speech came to an end and the crowd began to disperse, Nia lost sight of Justin. The sea of bodies shifted and swelled, and suddenly he was gone, swallowed up by the movement of the crowd. "Nia, what's wrong?" Evan's voice cut through her panic, his brow furrowed with concern. She shook her head, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. "Nothing, I just... I'm not feeling well. I think I might head home." "Do you want us to come with you?" Laura offered, her hand reaching out to touch Nia's arm. "No, no, I'll be fine. You two enjoy the rest of the day. I just need some rest," Nia insisted, already backing away from her friends. She t