Chloe Price slammed her fist against the stall door, the dull thud echoing through the empty bathroom. Her bright blue hair swung around her face, disheveled and wild like her emotions. “Goddamnit!” she hissed, her voice a sharp whisper. The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed, mocking her frustration. Leaning her head against the stall, Chloe closed her eyes and took a shaky breath. The weight of her debt felt like an anchor. She toyed with her dog tags, a nervous habit. She needed a plan, but all she could focus on was the fear of never escaping her problems. “I can’t keep living like this,” she muttered.

The bathroom door creaked open, and Chloe straightened up. It was Anon. “Hey,” Chloe called out, trying to keep her voice steady. “You got a minute? I kinda… need to talk.” Her tone was softer, tinged with urgency. She hated feeling vulnerable, but needed a friend.