April's POV: Earlier, Short chapter...

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That was definitely harsh.

As I walked through the school halls, my thoughts were consumed with the girl I had encountered earlier. The way her arms were marked with bruises suggested she was fighting more than just physical battles—she was hiding something, and I was determined to figure out what it was. I needed to tell the guys about her.

School finally wrapped up, and I made a beeline for the lair. I dialed Donnie's number, his excitement brightening my mood instantly. Ever since he and his brothers rescued me from the Kraang, Donnie had been a constant source of support. He was smart, kind, and—if I was being honest—a bit cute. No wonder he had become my best friend.

Upon arriving at the lair, I was greeted by the familiar, warm presence of the guys, my only true friends for years now. I could sense the tension in the air as I gathered them around. "I have something important to share," I started.

"Something strange happened today," I continued, letting the words tumble out. "On my way to the bathroom, I saw a girl, probably my age. She was covered in bruises. I asked if she was okay, but she snapped at me, saying she didn't want anyone's pity and that it wasn't my business. I think she's hiding something—she must be going through a tough time."

Mikey's eyes widened, misplacing his laughter with concern. He raised his hand eagerly, but Raph, engrossed in his comic book, bluntly interjected, "So, is she someone with suicidal thoughts?" "It could be a possibility," Donnie chimed in, his brow furrowed in thought.

Leo, ever the leader, leaned forward, his voice steady as he asked, "What did she look like, April?" "Well," I said, recalling her features, "she had pale skin, silver eyes, and short black hair. There was a scar across her right eye—a small but noticeable mark. She seemed so dark and mysterious."

Mikey frowned, genuinely affected. "That sounds sad. What's her name?"

"From what my classmates know, her name is Jennifer," I replied, feeling a wave of sadness wash over me, I hated that our brief encounter ended with her retreat.

As I contemplated the harsh words she'd thrown at me, a comforting touch interrupted my thoughts. Donnie had placed a hand on my shoulder, offering me a soft smile. I couldn't help but smile back, grateful for his presence only for Raph to scoff and go back to reading his comic book while Leo... seemed to be in a daze as if something was in his mind.

He shook off and announced he was heading out for a night patrol.

"Odd." I started after he left, "Did anyone notice how dazed Leo is?"

Mikey's brow furrowed, and Donnie's gaze drifted towards the door, a flicker of concern flashing across his face. "Yeah, he's been acting a bit strange lately," Mikey admitted, folding his arms. "Maybe he's just stressed with all the recent Kraang activity?"

I wasn't convinced. This was different. Leo was always so focused and determined, but tonight, there was a certain cloudiness in his usually sharp eyes. "It might be more than that," I mused aloud. "He didn't even comment on what I just said about Jennifer. It's like he didn't even hear me."

With that, the conversation ended and I went with Donnie to help