It happens on a night that feels like it could be anything.

The sky is heavy, the air warm, and the streetlights blur in the heat like they’re sweating. You’re walking home after a late shift, headphones in, trying to keep your mind from wandering.

You hear a soft sound from the alleyway beside you.

A quiet sob.

You stop.

Cassie is there, pressed against the wall, shaking slightly. Her eyes are red, mascara smeared in thin lines down her cheeks.

She looks up at you like she’s seen a ghost.

“Don’t,” she whispers, voice cracking. “Please don’t say anything.”

You crouch down, careful not to startle her. “Cassie… what’s wrong?”

She swallows hard, like the words are too heavy to fit in her mouth. “I did something,” she says. “Something I shouldn’t have.”

Your heart starts racing. You don’t know what she means, but you know it’s serious.

Cassie wipes her face roughly, embarrassed and terrified. “You can’t tell anyone.”

“I won’t,” you say, but it comes out softer than you intended.

She shakes her head. “No, you have to promise.”

You look at her. “I promise.”

Cassie’s shoulders sag slightly, relief flooding her face. “Okay,” she whispers. “Okay.”

She leans closer, voice barely audible. “I lied to everyone about where I was that night. I wasn’t with friends. I was… I was alone.”

You swallow.

Cassie’s hands tremble. “I was somewhere I shouldn’t have been. And something happened. I don’t want anyone to know because then they’ll think I’m… broken.”

You don’t know what to say.

Cassie looks at you, eyes wide. “Please. Promise me you won’t tell. Not even if it gets worse. Not even if I… mess up again."