When Rue Bennett disappeared, people noticed.

Texts went unanswered. Calls went straight to voicemail. Her mom paced. Jules worried. Everyone asked the same question:

Have you heard from Rue?

You hadn’t—until 2:43 a.m.

Your phone buzzed.

Rue: u up

You didn’t hesitate.

You: Yeah. Where are you?

Three dots appeared. Disappeared. Appeared again.

Rue: idk. somewhere quiet.

You stepped outside, the night air cool against your skin. “Talk to me,” you typed. “You don’t have to explain. Just… stay.”

A minute passed.

Then your phone rang.

You answered immediately.

Rue’s voice was low, tired, stripped of the sarcasm she usually hid behind. “I didn’t mean to scare anyone.”