The house felt very different the next few days. It became…quieter. But not in the usual type of way.This one had a whole lot of…weight to it. Like something was sitting between all of us, we knew, and acted like it didn’t exist.I barely saw her. And when I eventually did, she kept it brief. Short answers, no eye contact, always moving.But it wasn’t distance, it was control.Forced and tight control. And I could already see it slipping.It happened in the afternoon.Dad was home. That alone should’ve been enough to stop anything.But it wasn’t.I walked into the kitchen and stopped.Steph was by the counter, slicing something. The window was open, light pouring in, catching the side of her face.She didn’t look up when I entered.“I thought you went out” I said.“I did” she replied. “I came back.”Her reply was flat…careful.I leaned against the counter, watching her.“You’ve been avoiding me”“No I haven’t”“Yes…you have!”She sighed, setting the knife down a little harder than ne
Last Updated : 2026-04-08 Read more