Ella’s POV
I stayed on the floor for a long time, my cheek pressed against the cold surface. My chest rose and fell in uneven breaths. My body ached from crying, but my mind would not stop running. Every word from breakfast replayed over and over. My mother’s calm dismissal, my sister’s smug tone, Cyril’s cold command for me to leave.
I wanted to scream, but I didn’t. Instead, I forced myself to sit up. I leaned back against the door and dragged my hands down my face. I hated this feeling of being powerless. I hated how they looked at me, like I was weak and pathetic. I wanted to stand in front of them and say everything I had been holding back, but every time I tried, my voice shook and my anger twisted into tears.
I wiped my eyes and stood up. My legs were heavy, but I walked to the m
