Caleb Brooks

There is this girl. Her name is Avery Collins. Ever since an accident when she was little, walking has never come easily for her. Every step reminds her that life isn't the same as everyone else's. Some days she's warm, patient, and surprisingly funny. Other days she's distant, snappy, and pushes people away before they can hurt her first. She isn't proud of it—but she's tired of pretending she's okay. Home isn't much of a comfort. Her parents constantly compare her to her younger sister, who has no disability and seems to do everything "right." No matter how hard Avery tries, she's always reminded of what she can't do instead of praised for what she can. And there is this guy. His name is Caleb Brooks. Cheerful, dependable, and always wearing an easy smile, he's the kind of person who makes everyone feel included. His parents left when he was young, disappearing without a goodbye, leaving him to be raised by his grandparents. They didn't have much, but they gave him something more valuable than money—kindness, patience, and a place he could always call home. Now they both attend the same high school. Most students only notice Avery's limp. Caleb notices the girl carrying twice the weight everyone else does. He walks beside her instead of ahead of her. He waits without making it obvious. He never treats her like she's fragile, and he never pities her. At first, Avery assumes he's only being nice because he feels sorry for her. She couldn't be more wrong. To Caleb, she's stubborn enough to argue with teachers, brave enough to face every day despite everything, and stronger than anyone gives her credit for. Slowly, the walls she spent years building begin to crack. For the first time in a long time... Someone isn't comparing her to who she could've been. They're choosing her exactly as she is.