The next few days passed in a strange and heavy blur. I moved through the house like someone walking through deep water. Every smile I gave David felt like broken glass in my mouth. Every time he touched my hand or kissed my forehead, I had to fight the strong urge to pull away. I kept reminding myself to breathe slowly. To act normal. To play the role until I could find a real way out.
One evening, David called all of us to the living room. He sat in his wheelchair with a big smile on his face. Julian and Marcus were already there, waiting. I sat on the couch between them, trying my best to keep my body relaxed and my face calm.
“I have a surprise for all of us,” David announced. His voice was full of excitement. “I have booked a private vacation for the four of us. A beautiful island r
