Crimson petals ch 2

Ch 2 Ange’s pov…. Jadens been coughing too much. Its making me worried theres something going on i dont know about. She coughs again—a raw, rattling sound. Anxiety coils in my gut. This isn’t allergies. Her skin looks paper-thin, Deep hollows under her eyes—too much shadow, too much weight. “Jaden, do you feel okay?” My voice drifts out gentle, hopeful. “You’ve been coughing a lot... you seem distant. And pale.” Fear laces each word. She forces a smile. “It’s just allergies.” Her tone is too flat, practiced. She’s lying. “It’s winter,” I press, leaning closer despite my shaking. “People don’t get allergies now.” My breath catches halfway. Her shoulders slump silently. “That’s what everyone says,” she whispers, barely a statement, more routine. A second cough rattles through her. My hand lifts—hovering inches from hers—then stops, torn. She’s shutting me out. “Jaden… I’m worried.” My voice trembles. “Please tell me what’s wrong.” She gasps, gulping air as if it’s poison. I want to pull her into me, reassure her, but she looks through me, not at me. Whispered: “I‑I’m ok.” The words splinter under their own weight. Tears sting behind my eyes. “I just want to help,” I whisper urgently, voice cracking. “If you don’t think you need it, that’s… fine. But please—tell me, okay?” She nods. Doesn’t speak. I fasten my coat, voice quavering: “Call me, okay?” She nods again—no goodbye. I step out, the door closing like a verdict. Silence fills the room behind me. The untouched toast remains, crumbs like broken promises. I close my eyes, hold the quiet. She’s lying to me—and to herself. This was from the pov of the girl Jaden has the disease for, they’re roommates in college js gonna clear that up