**Vanessa's POV**I hurried home, clutching the basket filled with requested items. The knot of pain in my chest tightened; the rejection still haunted my mind, and soon, the news would spread.Entering the house, I placed the basket by the door. I knew what was expected of me the moment I stepped through that front door. My family's demands weighed heavily, and I couldn't face them just yet. I fled into my room, locking the door behind me, finding solace in my once sanctuary turned emotional prison.Tears welled up, and I cried, feeling shattered and overwhelmed. The inevitable arguments with my mother started when she knocked."Vanessa," she tried the door knob, "Are you in there?"I sniffed, wiping my tears, peeking my head outside, holding onto the door."What are you doing? Let me in," she attempted to push the door, but I resisted. I didn't want her to see the used tissues on the floor."What do you want?" I sighed; the day had already taken a toll on me.She gave up on opening
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