She didn’t take the photo. She just sat in the dark, wondering how long he’d been watching her back.

Then she opened the Viewer . Not the official app. A third-party one she’d found buried in a forum, one that let you see anyone’s BeReal— anyone’s —without them knowing. No “real reactions.” No trace.

She didn’t pose. She never did anymore. She just pointed the camera at her desk—half-empty coffee, a tangled earbud, a post-it that said “call mom.” The two-minute countdown ticked. Front camera: her tired face, no filter. Post.

It was her name. Maya . Written three times. Crossed out. Written again.