What the Palm Reader Said

The cafeteria lasagna looked like radioactive waste, but Maya'd already committed to the bit. "It's basically a salad," she lied, stabbing at the mysterious green flecks. "Spinach is superfood, Leah."

Her best friend raised one perfectly sculpted eyebrow. "Maya, that's radioactive pesto. You're literally going to glow."

That's when I saw HIM—Liam, who somehow made oversized hoodies look like a fashion statement instead of a cry for help. My palms went full Niagara Falls. Why did evolution design teenagers this way? Sweating when you see a crush is not helpful.

"Your aura is screaming right now," Leah whispered.

"Shut UP."

But the universe wasn't done humiliating me. Because then Karla, the sophomore who ran a crystal healing business out of her locker, appeared like a socially awkward guardian angel.

"The cards said someone needed clarity today." Karla flipped her tarot deck with practiced drama. "Let me read your palm."

My life had become a cliché teen movie.

"Sure," I said, because my dignity had already left the building.

Karla traced the lines on my hand like she was reading an ancient scroll. "Interesting. Very... bear energy."

"Bear?" Leah snorted. "Like, the animal?"

"Protective energy," Karla said solemnly. "But there's something stuck in your teeth."

SPINACH. The radioactive spinach was IN MY TEETH. While Liam was three tables away, probably breathing air and existing handsomely.

I bolted to the bathroom, my face burning hotter than cafeteria lasagna. But get this—Liam followed.

"Hey," he said, leaning against the doorframe like this was a music video. "Karla's readings are actually sort of accurate. Last week she predicted I'd forget my gym clothes, and guess what I forgot today?"

I stared at him. "You believe that bear stuff?"

He smiled. And I mean REALLY smiled, not the polite half-smile he gave teachers. "Maybe. But I also believe you shouldn't stress about spinach. It's just a plant."

Maybe Karla was right. Not about the bear thing—although, honestly, the way my heart was racing, I WAS bearing witness to something. But about clarity. Sometimes the universe gives you exactly what you need: spinach in your teeth, a weirdly accurate palm reading, and a boy who thinks your most embarrassing moment is just... a moment.

"So," Liam said, "wanna help me find my gym clothes?"

And just like that, the radioactive lasagna didn't seem so bad anymore.