Chapter 46 ~Angel Gabriel~

DAYS TURNED INTO WEEKS IN THE BLINK of an eye, but guilt clung to me, following me everywhere I went. I was a far cry from who I used to be.

My bedroom became my refuge, and I'd lie on my soft mattress for hours, staring at the dimpled ceiling, replaying the events of that horrible day.

Dad attempted to pull me out of this dark pit, but I pushed him away. His love and forgiveness seemed undeserved, like a wilted rose on my pillow. After all, I was the reason Mom had left, and nothing could erase that truth.

I started spiraling down a dark path, ignoring school, my friends, and everything that once mattered. Some "brilliant" minds told me drinking would take the edge off. With despair, I took their advice and soon found myself drowning in the escape alcohol provided.

My days were now filled with booze and bad choices, my life a predictable movie plot, the one where the good kid loses their way. School felt like a distant echo. The whispers and looks of pity made it impossible to fo