Her heart pounded with every hesitant step as she crossed the threshold into the familiar yet suffocating house. The spacious, opulent rooms, once a haven, now felt overwhelming, almost foreign. The contrast between the house’s warmth and her cold, dripping body was jarring. Water pooled at her feet as droplets trailed behind her, evidence of the storm she had been through—not just outside, but within. Her damp dress clung to her trembling frame, her fingers clutching the fabric tightly, as if it could anchor her amidst the tide of fear and guilt rising in her chest. Her eyes swept over the familiar surroundings, each detail stirring memories that surged relentlessly. Some were fleeting moments of comfort, others sharp reminders of hurt. The pounding in her temples intensified as thoughts swirled—thoughts of how other children ran to their homes for safety, for solace, while she stood here, terrified of what lay ahead. This place, though grand and inviting, was never truly home.
Last Updated : 2025-03-30 Read more