Ariana Pov.
I woke up feeling surprisingly… light.
Today was therapy day, and for the first time, I wasn’t terrified. I kept thinking about last night — how I went to Alex’s room like a scared child and he didn’t push me away. He let me sit there. He talked to me. He was gentle.
So naturally, I assumed he’d be the one taking me today.
I got dressed quietly, brushed my hair with my left arm,tied it back, and walked into the kitchen where the boys were already having breakfast. My heart did a small, stupid flip when I saw Alex. He was drinking coffee, jaw tense, eyes focused on the table.
“Uh… morning,” I greeted, shy but hopeful.
“Morning,” Noah said warmly.
“Morning, Ari,” Eli added with a smile.
Alex didn’t look up.
Not even once.
I swallowed the disappointment and sat down. Aft
