Left Behind // Scarlett Johansson x Daughter

A Glimpse of Reality

POV YN

My emotions flowed like a whirlwind of euphoria that no words could adequately describe. I lay on the bed, surrounded by the darkness of the night, futilely struggling to find the elusive sleep. I tossed and turned in the sheets, creating chaos that forced me to remake the bed. I wondered if Ava was going through the same emotional storm, though at least she had her mother with whom to share her thoughts. I still couldn't fully grasp the situation; things like this simply didn't happen to people like us.

I tirelessly searched on my mobile phone until my eyes confirmed the unbelievable reality: the videos were posted, without any edits of our intimate moment. Seeing Ava and myself on the screen, conversing with them, left a knot in my heart.

I cast a fleeting glance at the clock and sighed; it was 2 in the morning, and sleep remained elusive. Despite having no classes the next day, my responsibilities on the ranch knew no rest. I turned to one side and embraced Bob, my teddy bear, a secret shared only with Ava. He was my sanctuary at night, the source of comfort that dispelled my fears. I closed my eyes, but my mind began to relive the darkest memories, recalling what had happened with Leyla. I hadn't had the chance to reflect on it; I had never intentionally harmed someone, and I refused to accept that I felt no remorse for what I had done.

Leyla, however, had been relentless when it came to the topic that hurt me the most: abandonment and my mother. Two words that, sadly, intertwined and became the cruel reality of my daily life. A deep sigh escaped my lips as I squeezed my eyes shut, as if I could erase those memories. At least I hadn't broken Leyla's nose; her pain would heal with time, but mine, I suspected, would linger indefinitely.

I inhaled deeply the comforting scent of talcum powder that Bob emitted, the same one I sprayed daily with my homemade fabric softener scented with talcum and water. My eyes closed slowly, allowing the aroma and Bob's embrace to envelop me. Just as I was about to drift into sleep, a sudden noise made me snap my eyes open.

Fear invaded me, and I sought refuge under the covers, as if that simple gesture could offer me protection. My heart raced wildly in my chest; its beats resonated in my ears like war drums. Then, a moan shattered the silence of the night and propelled me out of bed. All the excitement and adrenaline from what had happened at school were instantly relegated to oblivion upon discovering my father practically prostrate by the bathroom door.

For a moment, I stood paralyzed, unable to comprehend that this was actually happening. Life couldn't be so cruel as to turn one of my most exciting days into the worst of all.

Finally, I mustered the necessary courage and knelt by his side, my voice trembling and laden with anguish. "Dad," I shook him, "Dad, wake up! Don't leave me, Dad," I insisted with a determination that came from the depths of my being, moving him with increasing urgency.

"Yn," I heard his weak voice, and I saw his eyes open, although they seemed lost, as if he couldn't see me clearly.

"Dad,"I turned, and there was Ethan. I sighed with relief; at least he would know what to do. Tears continued to well up in my eyes as I hugged Dad, despite the nauseating smell of vomit that surrounded him. It was a repugnant odor, but I endured it because the only thing that mattered was that Dad was still fighting and was by my side.

"YN, go back to bed," Ethan requested.

Was he crazy? How could he even think I could sleep, fearing that this might be my father's last night? I shook my head firmly, freeing myself from Ethan's grip to stand up.

"I can't, Ethan. I can't leave him alone. He... he..."

"Daughter, I don't want you to see me like this. I'm exhausted and too weak to make it to bed. Your brother will help me. Go to sleep, please," my father insisted with a weak but loving and concerned voice.