Chapter 34 – Sit and Listen
The night didn’t feel like it had ended properly. Even after the car stopped. Even after everyone got her home. Even after the silence returned. It still lingered. Heavy. Back at the house, no one spoke for a long time. Nia sat near the edge of the room, arms folded tightly around herself. Far away. But present. Marcus stood nearby, unsure whether to step closer. Ryan stayed back, watching carefully. Her parents stood opposite her. Quiet now. But not gone. Her father finally spoke. “Sit down.” Nia didn’t move. “I said sit down,” he repeated, firmer this time. Her eyes lifted slowly. “You don’t get to tell me what to do,” she said flatly. A pause. Then her father exhaled sharply. “This isn’t about control,” he said. “This is about you finally hearing the truth.” Nia
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