Author Note
Hi! 👋
First of all, thank you so much for giving my story a chance. Whether you found it by accident or clicked on it out of curiosity, I genuinely hope you enjoy the ride.
Before you start reading, there are a few things I’d like you to know.
This book is being written and uploaded as I go. That means every chapter you read is part of the first draft. Once the story is complete, I’ll be going back to revise, edit, rewrite scenes, fix plot holes, improve dialogue, and polish everything. So if you spot the occasional typo, awkward sentence, or inconsistency, just know it’s already on my list for future me. :)
I’m also a student in 10th grade, and with board exams, school, and badminton training, life can get pretty hectic. I’ll do my best to upload whenever I can, but there may be times when updates are slower than I’d like. Thank you in advance for being patient with me.
Another thing... the title How to Bury the Truth is currently a working title. I like it, but there’s also a chance it’ll change once the story is finished and I discover a title that fits even better.
Lastly, I’d love to hear your thoughts as you read! Whether it’s a theory, a favorite character, something you noticed, or even constructive feedback, feel free to leave a comment. One of my favorite parts of sharing a story is seeing readers experience it in real time.
Now, enough of me talking.
I hope you enjoy Anne’s story.
Sneak Peek into Chapter 1 ->
The room smelled faintly of salt and vinegar chips, strawberry lip balm, and the vanilla candle Emma’s mother insisted on lighting every afternoon. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, turning the floating dust motes gold. Outside, someone was mowing their lawn, and the distant hum drifted through the open window.
Anne was halfway through opening a fresh packet of chips when Emma snatched it from her hands.
“Hey!”
Emma immediately jumped onto the bed and scooted to the opposite corner, clutching the packet to her chest.
“Nope.”
“Emma.”
“Nope.”
“Emma!”
Emma popped a chip into her mouth and grinned.
“You snooze, you lose.”
“I literally opened them.”
“And?”
“And that means they’re mine.”
“That’s a very selfish mindset, Anne.”
Anne stared at her.
Emma stared back.
Then both girls burst out laughing.
“You are impossible.”
“I’ve been told that before.”
“By who?”
“My teachers. My parents. You. The lady at the grocery store.”
“The grocery store lady did not call you impossible.”
“She did in her heart.”
Anne grabbed a pillow and threw it at her. Emma let out a dramatic scream as it smacked her shoulder.
“VIOLENCE!”
“Oh, be quiet.”
“ANNE HAS TURNED AGAINST ME.”
“You’re stealing my food!”
“OUR food.”
“It became our food the second you stole it?”
“Exactly.”
Anne shook her head.
“I don’t know how your brain works.”
“Neither do I.”
That answer sent both of them into another fit of laughter.
The packet of chips slipped from Emma’s lap and landed upside down on the blanket. For a second, neither girl moved.
Then they both lunged.
“Mine!”
“Get away from them!”
A full wrestling match broke out across the bed. There was a lot of shrieking, very little strategy, and absolutely no dignity. By the time Emma finally managed to secure the packet, both girls were breathless.
Anne flopped onto her back.
“You cheated.”
Emma gasped dramatically.
“I am deeply offended.”
“You sat on me.”
“It was a tactical maneuver.”
“You sat on my face.”
“A tactical maneuver.”
Anne buried her face in a pillow to hide her laughter.
The pillow smelled faintly of Emma’s shampoo.
Coconut.
It always smelled like coconut.
Maybe that was why Anne remembered it so clearly.
She had spent half her childhood in this room.
The posters on the walls.
The stack of books beside the window.
The tiny crack in the ceiling they used to think looked like a dragon.
Everything felt permanent. Like no matter how much time passed, she’d always be here with Emma, arguing over chips and talking about absolutely nothing important.
Across the bed, Emma was trying to balance three chips on her nose.
One fell.
Then another.
Then another.
Anne laughed so hard her stomach hurt.
Emma pointed accusingly at her.
“Don’t laugh. This is serious.”
“Oh, obviously.”
“I’m making history.”
“You are.”
Emma nodded solemnly.
“One day people will tell stories about this.”
“Stories about you dropping chips on your face?”
“Legends.”
Anne rolled her eyes.
The room echoed with their laughter. Sunlight spilled across the carpet, and the smell of chips lingered in the air. Everything felt warm. Safe. Alive.
Then Anne blinked...
That’s all for now!
Thank you for your patience as I balance school, badminton, and writing. Updates may not always be quick, but I promise I’m committed to telling this story the best I can.
I hope you’ll stay with Anne until the very last page.
See you in Chapter One. 🤍
