Coming Home | Scarlett Johansson's Daughter |

BREAKING POINTS

NEW YORK - MAY'S FOSTER HOME

The Saturday sunset cast a warm glow on the city as Violet made her way back home. The late lunch with Ryan had left her in an awful mood, a storm of emotions raging within her. The stress from the week, from both dance and school, coupled with the overwhelming lunch experience, weighed heavily on her shoulders.

Violet entered the home, the familiar surroundings offering little comfort. Her steps echoed in the hallway as she headed straight to her room. The door closed behind her with a soft click, shutting out the world for a moment.

In her room, the walls seemed to close in on her. Violet took a deep breath, trying to shake off the tension that clung to her like a heavy shroud. She paced back and forth, the weight of the week's events bearing down on her. Her dance teacher had been insufferable earlier that morning, and she suddenly had 3 more dances to learn within less than 2 weeks.

With a sudden surge of frustration, Violet tore off her jacket and flung it onto the bed. The room echoed her turmoil, its silence amplifying the internal chaos. She ran her hands through her hair, tugging at the strands as if trying to anchor herself in the sea of emotions.

Her mind kept replaying moments from lunch. Every awkward silence, every forced smile, and every attempt at small talk seemed to amplify her massive failure. She had longed for a connection with her biological father, but the reality of the encounter left her feeling lost. And it wasn't even his fault, he was kind and funny and understanding, but Violet was just so so dumb. Every attempt to connect felt like a misstep.

"I can't believe I messed it up," she muttered to herself, her hands running through her hair in frustration. "Why can't I just be normal?" she muttered, her frustration seeping into the quiet confines of her room.

Her phone buzzed on the bed, but she couldn't bring herself to check it.

Violet flopped onto her bed, her mind swirling with self-doubt. The weight of expectations, the fear of disappointing those around her, pressed down on her chest. She buried her face in her hands, the cool sensation offering a momentary reprieve. The tears she had been holding back finally spilled over, staining her cheeks. Violet's shoulders shook with the weight of her emotions, the sobs echoing in the quiet room. She curled into a fetal position, the warmth of her tears seeping into the fabric of her pillow. Exhaustion settled in, both physically and emotionally. Violet lay there, spent and drained, her thoughts quieter but still restless.

A soft knock on the door woke her, and she noticed the room had gone dark. The door creaked open, revealing May standing in the door. If the woman noticed her puffy eyes from the door, she didn't say. She spoke quietly, her tone measured and careful, "Violet, there's someone here to see you."

Assuming it was one of her friends, she sighed in defeat, she knew she couldn't just send them away. "Alright, let them in."

The door creaked open, and Violet expected to see Alina, Lani, or Sora on the other side. Instead, Scarlett stepped into the room, her eyes filled with concern and care. The unexpected sight of her sent a mix of emotions through Violet—surprise, embarrassment, and a hint of vulnerability. Now another person would know how much of a mess she was.

Scarlett closed the door behind her, leaving them in a cocoon of privacy. She took a moment to assess Violet's state, her gaze lingering on the puffy eyes that Violet couldn't manage to conceal completely.

"Hey, sweetheart," Scarlett said gently, her voice a soothing melody. "Mind if I sit?"

Violet nodded hesitantly. Scarlett perched herself on the edge of the bed, leaving enough space for comfort but not invading Violet's personal bubble.