EZEKIEL
The moment we step inside, Daphne shakes the umbrella closed, droplets scattering across the floor. Her eyes dart downward, lingering at my feet.
"Have you been barefoot this whole time?" She asks.
I glance down, only now realizing the truth of it. My feet are raw, reddened from the cold rain, and yet I hadn't even noticed.
She exhales a small exasperated sigh, then gestures toward the hall. "You should go to the bathroom."
I want to tell her it doesn't matter, that I've endured worse. But the softness in her voice halts me. I simply nod once and turn, heading down the corridor.
The bathroom light hums faintly as I step inside and shut the door behind me. I peel off my soaked shirt and drop it onto the tiled floor with a wet slap. My gaze lifts to the mirror above the sink,
