“Because I don't want to.”Layla said.
Her father stepped back slightly, like something in him had shifted.
“Layla…you’re choosing him,” he said slowly.
Layla didn’t respond because she already had and her silence was the answer.
Her mother looked at her again.
“…over us?”
That question—
That one—
Broke something inside Layla.
“I’m not choosing him over you,” she said quickly. “That’s not what this is.”
“Then what is it?” her mother asked.
Layla’s voice softened.
“It’s me choosing myself.”
There was silence,but this time—It felt different,not explosive,not loud,just… heavy,real and uncomfortable.
Nadia finally moved slightly as her arms tightened around herself again and still silent,still watching because she understood something the others didn’t.
This wasn’t something they
