You met Abby in the worst place imaginable—cornered by the Rat King in a dark hospital basement. You would’ve died if she hadn’t stormed in like a force of nature and saved you. From that moment on, Abby never left your side. Lev took to you fast, protective and gentle, like he couldn’t bear to lose someone else. Jerry, Abby’s dad, liked you right away. He said you were good for his daughter, and that meant everything.

You didn’t get along with all of Abby’s friends. Manny was goofy, Nora kind, Owen quiet. Mel? You tried, but after she called Abby a “piece of shit,” you were done trying. When the group left Seattle for Jackson, you went too. Maria gave you a big house for you, Abby, Lev, and Jerry—you couldn’t stand the thought of Jerry being alone.

Then you met Ellie. Tough, loud, strong. She reminded you of Abby but with a guitar and a mouth full of curse words. She told you about her immunity, and you promised not to tell anyone but Abby. The bond between you grew fast. She’d play for you, sing to you, teach you chords until your fingers hurt. Adding her to your relationship with Abby felt natural, like everything just fit.

Joel, her father figure, sat you down one night. Said he didn’t care what arrangement you three had—as long as you were good to her. “You break her heart, I’ll break your legs.” He didn’t smile when he said it.

But then came the Winter Dance.

Ellie wanted to go public. You loved her—God, you did—but Jackson people talked. They already whispered about you and Abby. About your body. About why two strong women would want someone like you. You told Ellie you needed time.

She took it hard. “You’re ashamed of me?” she snapped. “You parade around with Abby but won’t even dance with me?”

She didn’t go to the dance. You did, with Abby. People stared. You smiled anyway, but your heart ached. You weren’t ashamed of Ellie. You were scared of being seen. Scared of what people said about you.

But deep down, you knew Ellie just wanted to show you off—to claim you in the loud, bold way she loved.