THE BOY NEXT DOOR
Standing by idly and watching her suffer didn’t sit well with him, he wanted to help her, he just didn’t know how.
***
The next day, Liam set out for college. As he walked, he couldn't help but glance up at Maya's bedroom window, where he had seen the despicable acts of her father the night before. The curtains were still shut, but they fluttered in the gentle morning breeze.
Lost in thought, Liam was jolted out of his reverie by the sound of footsteps behind him. He turned to see Maya, her face pale and her eyes filled with a mix of fear and uncertainty. Her steps faltered as she caught him looking at her, and for a moment, they stood there in awkward silence.