Anger brews in the pit of my stomach, simmering until it feels ready to explode.
I feel like a wolf—so dejected, replaced, and heartbroken. If this were Clara, I would be standing up for her. I would be the first person to put myself out there to make sure my friend wasn't getting hurt. And here I am, cowering.
I take a deep breath. I stand up and begin to clap alongside the pack. Some people's eyes widen, but I keep my glare on Bren.
I stand there, clapping slowly. Everyone around me is gradually sitting back down, but I stay standing, letting the noise of my claps echo through the clearing long after everyone else has stopped. It practically sounds like little bombs going off with how quiet it’s gotten. Almost as if the owls and crickets themselves have decided to go silent.
Bren
