Lila’s P.O.V.
I stared at my phone, the screen lighting up with an incoming call from a number I recognized all too well—Brandon’s mother. I hesitated for a moment, my thumb hovering over the answer button. I had been avoiding this confrontation in particular, knowing it would be an unpleasant one, to say the least. But I couldn’t dodge it forever. So, taking a deep breath, I swiped to answer.
“Hello, Mrs. Thompson,” I said, keeping my voice as calm and polite as I possibly could.
“Lila,” Mrs. Thompson's voice was sharp, cutting right through the pleasantries.
“I’ve been trying to reach you for days. I’m sure you know why by now.”
I swallowed hard, bracing myself.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Thompson. I’ve been dealing with a lot on my end.”
“Oh, I’m sure you have, just like all of us,” Mrs.
