She was the queen of the school—cheer captain, the girl everyone admired or envied. Her laughter rang through the halls, captivating everyone. Jason? He was the sarcastic, foul-mouthed nerd who worked at the local ice cream shop, avoiding small talk like it was the plague.

What people didn’t know was that they’d been neighbors their whole lives. They grew up just a few houses apart, Jason’s window facing hers. He had a front-row seat to the chaos of her life, knowing her parents’ relationship was a mess—how their shouting matches echoed down the street on too many late nights. Sometimes, when things got heated, she’d sneak into his room, climbing through the window to escape.

Jason never asked questions. He’d toss her one of his old hoodies, turn on a movie, and let her be. Those late-night hangouts were their unspoken agreement. She needed somewhere to go, and he was the one person who wouldn’t make her feel more broken than she already did.

That Thursday night should’ve been like any other. Jason had just finished his shift and was sprawled on his bed when he heard it—a soft knock at the window. He glanced over and saw her standing outside, her face pale under the dim light.

He opened the window. She climbed in, her movements slower than usual, and when she turned to face him, his heart stopped. Her cheek was purple and swollen, a stark reminder of the storm brewing in her life.

He didn’t need to ask what happened. He’d heard the yelling earlier. This wasn’t new. But this was different.

Jason’s fists clenched in anger. “He hit you?” The words slipped out before he could stop them.

She nodded, barely meeting his eyes. Jason felt a surge of fury but swallowed it down. He grabbed one of his hoodies, tossing it to her like always. She pulled it over her head and sat there, staring blankly at the floor.

He sat beside her, close but not touching. Jason wasn’t good at comforting people—he never had been. But he wasn’t about to let her sit there alone.