Forty-One

The taxi drove away from George's family mansion and I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I was finally free from their judgmental eyes and condescending smiles.

I felt a bottomless peace and satisfaction wash over me, relieved to be out of George's claws. I'd thought he was different, but it turned out he was just like the rest of them.

Fucking manipulative bastard.

After paying the taxi driver, I stood outside Grandma Zora's house and let out a swoosh of air. I was hesitant to go inside, wondering if I should tell Grandma Zora and Ziah everything that had gone down with George.

But I knew that if I did, Ziah would likely go mental and attack George. He had a temper, and I didn't want to make things worse.

I stood there for a few moments, weighing my options. Part of me wanted to spill everything, to let someone know the truth about George's family and their cruel words. But another part of me wanted to keep it inside. I decided to keep quiet and headed inside.

My gaze landed o