***Trigger Warning: This chapter contains depictions of physical aggression and intimidation.***
It was a new day. A day that would be filled with homework and admin. Not thrilling, but necessary. I had a lot to catch up on after yesterday’s deep dive into prom dresses and apartments.
Uncle Mike nearly ran into me as I shuffled down the stairs, still half-asleep.
“Sorry, sweetheart—running late. Have a great day,” he said, already halfway out the door.
“Bye,” I mumbled to the already-closed door, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.
The kitchen was quiet when I trudged in, but then I saw him... Caleb. Just sitting there at the table, a cup of coffee in front of him as he stared down at it with a blank expression.
I hesitated for half a second before forcing my body forward.
Ignoring him,
