The heavy stillness of the room seemed to mirror the weight in her heart as she leaned against the door, pressing her forehead to the cool wood. The muffled hum of the television and the occasional sound of shifting from the living room served as a bitter reminder of her stepmother's presence. Her fingers trembled as they traced the frayed edges of the blanket draped over her bed–a source of fleeting comfort in a house that no longer felt like home. Exhaustion seeped into Violet's bones. She sank onto the mattress, clutching the pillow tightly. Her mind raced with questions that churned like a relentless storm. How could her father, the man who once seemed so protective and wise, not see the chaos that his new wife brought into their lives? Did he choose blindness, or was he simply too worn down by his own battle to notice?
Violet let out a shaky breath, trying to steady herself. The room was dim, shadows creeping in from the corners, amplifying the sense of isolation that clung to her. Memories flashed through her mind like old photographs—laughing with her father, baking cookies in the kitchen, feeling the warmth of love. That seemed like a different life now, a time before everything changed. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the noise from the television. The sound felt like an intrusion, a reminder that life outside her mind continued on, indifferent to her turmoil. The laughter and chatter of the living room echoed painfully, a jarring contrast to the silence that engulfed her. She could almost hear the way her father's laughter used to fill the house, brightening every corner.
Now it felt hollow, overshadowed by tension. With each passing minute, her thoughts spiraled deeper. Was it too late to go back? Too late to fix things? She yearned for the days when home felt safe, not like a battlefield where love had become a distant memory. Her fingers clenched the pillow harder, as if squeezing it could extract the painful thoughts rattling in her mind. Would anyone ever understand, or was she destined to carry this burden alone? In that moment of vulnerability, a sense of resolve began to stir within her. She knew she couldn't stay silent forever. There had to be a way to break through the walls that had been built around her father. She needed to find her voice, to share her truth, even if it meant stepping into the uncertain.
Violet's voice trembled as she began to recount the story, her hands clutching Starfania tightly for support.
" It was a night like any other, " she said, her gaze distant, as if reliving the moment. " I was in my room, trying to block out the sounds of her… stumbling, shouting. But then the door slammed open. "
She faltered, taking a shaky breath before continuing. " She barged in, reeking of alcohol, her eyes wide with something darker than anger. It was as if she wasn't even human anymore. She said things… horrible things. And then she—"
Violet's voice broke, and tears slipped down her cheeks.
Aeron's sharp intake of breath echoed through the silence, his fists clenched at his sides.
" That mark, " Violet said, her hand unconsciously brushing the dark bruise on her arm. " She grabbed me, her nails digging in so hard, and… I don't know how, but it felt like something more than just pain. It burned, like her hatred had seeped into me, leaving this behind. "
Her voice wavered as she struggled to find the right words. Aeron, unable to contain himself, stepped forward, his face a mix of fury and sorrow.
" She had no right! " he said, his voice shaking with emotion. Violet looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"I thought I was strong enough to handle it," she whispered, frustration creeping into her tone. "But when she touched me, it felt like something inside me was unraveling."
Aeron's heart raced as he took another step closer, desperation pooling in his chest.
"You're stronger than this," he insisted, his voice steady yet gentle. "We'll get through it together. I won't let her hurt you again."
At that moment, Starfania reached out to her, wrapping her in a protective embrace. As the air crackled between them as Violet continued with her story, relieving how everything was closing in on her. Her breath hitched, her wide eyes darting from side to side in a desperate search for an escape. Her step-mother kept advancing towards her, the steps deliberating and unrelenting. Violet clenched her fists at her sides, her mind racing. What did she want? Why wouldn't she stop? The soft thud of her heels against the floor echoed in the silent room, her trembling legs betraying her of all she had consumed. Starfania whispered soothing words, a calming presence amidst the chaos.
"You're safe with me," she said, her voice steady and warm. Violet felt a flicker of hope spark within her, but it was quickly overshadowed by fear. The weight of her step-mother's gaze bore down like a heavy fog, filling the air with suffocating tension. Each step her step-mother took felt like a countdown, a metronome marking the time until confrontation. Violet's heart raced faster, pounding against her chest as she fought the rising tide of panic. What if this time was different? What if she couldn't find a way out? Starfania tightened her grip, grounding Violet at the moment, reminding her of their shared strength. She took a deep breath, trying to quiet the storm inside her.
"Focus on me," Starfania urged, her eyes steady and unwavering.