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15

TW: [VIOLENCE]

CHAEYOUNG'S POV.

I opened Jeongyeon's room door, Mom already there, seated on the couch near the bed.  I dropped my jacket on the table, acutely aware of her gaze.

"What took you so long?" Her voice was flat, those eyes… I knew what was coming.

"School project," I mumbled, avoiding her stare.

"Come here." The familiar prelude to the storm.  A sigh escaped me.  This was my life.

"I said, come here!"  Her voice rose, sharp and edged with the reek of alcohol. She stood, swaying slightly.  What choice did I have?

The slap landed before I even reached her.  The sting was immediate, followed by the sickening thud of her words: "You useless bitch, your sister almost died because of you."  The chilling calm in her voice was far more terrifying than any rage.

Another slap.  And another.  "Stupid," she hissed with each blow.  The taste of blood filled my mouth, a metallic tang.  My teeth felt loose, cracking under the force.  I could feel the cracks.

A twisted smile played on my lips as I tasted my own blood. Mom glared, then a brutal kick to my stomach sent me sprawling.  She left, the door slamming shut behind her.

It was over.  I sat there, spitting blood onto my hand.  A tooth, glistening wetly, lay beside the crimson stain.  A humorless chuckle escaped me.  "Heck, that's the third one.  Never thought I'd lose you too. Now I can't eat ice cream," I muttered, a dark joke to myself.

I stood, tossing the tooth into the trash.  In the bathroom, I gargled, the pain a dull ache in my jaw.  I splashed water on my face, trying to soothe the burning cheeks.  When I returned, a nurse was already attending to Jeongyeon.

"Oh, hi. Good evening," she greeted pleasantly.

"Good evening. How is she?"

"Stable. I've changed her dextrose; we'll change it again the day after tomorrow.  You don't need to stay, I'll keep an eye on her."

"Thanks," I smiled, relieved. "I'll go now. Goodnight."

I didn't need to stay.  Mom's punishment, self-imposed.  Jeongyeon…  "Your sister almost died because of you."  Mom's words echoed, a broken record scratching in my mind.  I clenched my fist, the anger a dull throb beneath the surface.  What could I do?

Home.  The scent of cooking food greeted me.  A smile bloomed – Mina must be home.  I'd texted her I wouldn't be back, this was a surprise.

Tiptoeing, I placed my bag on the couch and peered into the kitchen.  Mina, humming along to music blasting from her phone, was wearing my tiger-striped apron, swaying rhythmically as she cooked.  I couldn't help but laugh.

She whirled around, spatula in hand, startled.  "C-Chaeyoung! How long…?"  Embarrassed, she fumbled with her phone, silencing the music.

I smiled, the warmth spreading through me.  This… this was solace.  A reason to keep going.

Then, I heard it.  A soft sob.  My own tears.  I touched my face, surprised.  They were flowing freely.

Mina quickly turned off the stove and rushed to me, her arms enveloping me in a tight hug.  I buried my face in the crook of her neck, letting the tears fall.

"What happened, Chae?" she whispered, stroking my back gently.

"Just tired," I choked out.

This was only the second time I'd cried in front of anyone.  Mina held me, offering a comforting silence.  Only when I pulled away did she release me.

"Let's eat?" I suggested.

She smiled, a warm, understanding smile.  "Yeah, let's eat."

As she finished preparing dinner, I watched her, a quiet peace settling over me.  No accusations, no demands, no probing questions.  Just… comfort.  Even before tonight, I'd felt it.

"You feel like home," I whispered, the words escaping before I could stop them.

Instead of a reaction, she turned, her smile brighter than ever.  "Welcome home, Chaeyoung."

…

…

I’m falling deeper.