I will rise above it all

Chapter - 13 I can't be broken again! - I won't let you be broken again

The weight of Emily's academic struggles and the continuous pressure from her family had created a cycle of anxiety and fear. Daniel, believing in the power of consequences, had set a precedent that poor performance would be met with punishment. For the first and second tests, Emily's procrastination had gone unnoticed, and Daniel had simply urged her to improve without resorting to disciplinary measures.

However, the third test was different. Emily had worked diligently, determined to prove herself. She studied late into the night, sacrificing sleep and leisure time to grasp the material. But as the test approached, her family's demands escalated, leaving her emotionally drained and unable to concentrate on her studies.

On the day of the test, Emily's mind was clouded with worry and stress. She sat at her desk, trying to focus, but the weight of her family's expectations pressed upon her like a heavy burden. Thoughts of disappointment and fear plagued her, stealing her concentration.

After the test, Emily mustered the courage to approach Daniel. She sought solace in his presence, hoping he would lend a compassionate ear and understand the mounting pressures she faced. However, as she entered his office, she found him engrossed in his own work, visibly distracted.

"D-Daniel," Emily stammered, her voice quivering with a mix of apprehension and desperation. "I... I need to talk to you. It's about... my family issues and how they're affecting me."

Without looking up from his work, Daniel sighed in frustration. "Emily, I'm busy right now. Can't this wait?"

Emily's heart sank, her words catching in her throat. She had hoped for understanding, for a reassuring presence amidst the chaos. But at that moment, she felt dismissed, her struggles brushed aside.

Her voice quivered as she spoke again, desperation seeping through her words. "Daniel, please... I need your support. I can't handle everything alone."

Daniel, still absorbed in his work, unwittingly lashed out. "Enough, Emily! I can't be your personal therapist. Just focus on your studies. That's what's important right now."

The incident of Daniel dismissing Emily's concerns and shouting at her had left a deep scar on their relationship. Emily, already feeling vulnerable and burdened, had hoped for support from him, only to be met with indifference. The trust she once had in him had been shattered, and now, faced with another test, she trembled with anxiety.

As the day of the test arrived, Emily's nerves were on edge. She had poured her heart into studying, determined to overcome her challenges. But the weight of Daniel's previous harsh words still lingered, haunting her every step.

Daniel, engrossed in his own work responsibilities, struggled to balance his demanding workload and his role as Emily's tutor. The mounting pressure weighed heavily on him, and his patience began to wane.

When Emily handed in her test, Daniel noticed the disappointment etched on her face. A mixture of frustration and concern welled up within him. He knew she had been working diligently, but he also couldn't shake off his own work pressures.

As he reviewed her test, his expectations clashed with the reality before him. Emily's performance fell short once again, and frustration surged through his veins. Unaware of the personal battles she faced, he momentarily forgot the impact of his own words.

"Emily," Daniel's voice quivered with a hint of anger and frustration. "This is not acceptable! How many times do I have to tell you to improve? You need to put in more effort!"

Emily's heart sank as she looked into his eyes, hoping for understanding but finding only disappointment. Fear gripped her, the memory of his previous outburst resurfacing like a storm.