MONSTER

The rain was a constant companion in Forks, a soft, persistent drum against the windowpane. Hunter Reed stared out at the grey sky, the familiar ache of being new and misplaced settling in. Moving to this perpetually damp corner of Washington felt like stepping into a different world after the dry heat of Arizona, a necessary change after the recent, unspoken tragedy that had reshaped her life.

Downstairs, Uncle Charlie’s muted voice blended with the morning news. Hunter clutched the small potted cactus, a silent reminder of home, before heading to Bella’s room to face the awkwardness of her cousin's birthday.

Later, the sterile halls of Forks High School buzzed with unfamiliar faces and the low hum of lockers slamming shut. Hunter navigated the crowd, feeling the weight of unspoken expectations. She just wanted to get through the day, to blend in, but fate, it seemed, had other plans.