"Jesus" Charlotte breathed.The room went dead silent. The upbeat song still playing on the TV suddenly felt too loud, too cheerful for the heavy truth that had just landed among them. Tony reached over quickly and grabbed the remote, muting it with a sharp click. The screen kept showing colorful images with people dancing and laughing, but no sound came out. The contrast made the silence feel even heavier.Hannah’s voice cracked once again as she repeated, softer this time, almost like she couldn’t believe she’d said it out loud. “Zack… he hits me”Joan’s hand flew to her mouth, eyes going wide with horror. Irene’s eyes filled with tears instantly, her wine glass trembling so hard in her hand that a little spilled onto her lap. Tony sat up straight on the floor, his face going pale, the bowl of chips forgotten beside him. Richard looked stunned, mouth half-open, beer bottle paused halfway to his lips. Leah sat frozen on the sofa, not moving, not blinking, her glass still raised halfw
Last Updated : 2026-01-14 Read more