Piper
I stop halfway through my meal, my stomach twisting and nausea crawling up my throat. The food that had once looked so perfect now feels heavy, unbearable. I set the fork down with a quiet clink and push the plate away. I can't eat anymore. Not without feeling like I'll throw up.
“I’m okay,” I say quickly, though I don’t feel it at all.
Elijah doesn’t argue. He nods once, then he lifts a hand to signal someone. A quiet knock follows, and a staff member enters to clear the plate. I keep my eyes fixed on my lap as the food disappears. My hands feel clammy. My heart feels... heavy.
When the room falls quiet again, I take a breath and swing my legs off the bed, the floor cold against my bare feet. I move carefully, testing him, waiting for his hand to shoot out and stop me.
But it
