Ava’s POV
I woke up the next morning feeling exhausted, my body heavy as if I hadn’t slept at all. The events of yesterday still weigh on me. My stepmom, her cold voice, her cruel words… It’s like an echo in my head.
“I just hate that you exist.”
I shake my head, trying to push her words away, but they cling to me, refusing to leave. I don’t know why, but for the first time in a long while, I miss my mom. I don’t even remember much about her, just bits and pieces, blurry memories that fade when I try too hard to hold onto them.
But I remember the warmth. The softness in her voice. The way she used to hold me.
A lump forms in my throat, but I swallow it down and force myself out of bed. There’s no point thinking about things I can’t change.
I get dressed, grab my bag, and head to scho
