Home was supposed to feel safe.
But for me?
It never really did.
I got home earlier than usual that day.
Just straight home… with everything still sitting heavy in my chest.
The door creaked open, and the familiar smell of food hit me.
“Violet? That you?” my mom called from the kitchen.
“Yeah.”
My voice sounded off. Even to me.
“You’re early,” she said, stepping out, wiping her hands on a towel. “Everything okay?”
I nodded too quickly. “Just tired.”
She studied me for a second longer than I liked.
Moms always knew.
But instead of pushing, she just sighed. “Go freshen up. Dinner’s almost ready.”
I nodded and walked past her.
But I didn’t go to my room.
I stopped halfway down the hallway.
Because something felt… off.
Voices.
Familiar ones.
From the living room.
“…I’m jus
