YOU ARE WHAT I NEED [COMPLETED]

3

I woke up to the sound of breaking glass. My heart pounded as I forced myself out of bed, my body already aching from the night's previous altercation. The remnants of a shattered picture frame lay scattered on the floor, a stark reminder of the rage that always simmered beneath Mark's surface.

"Claire!" Mark's voice bellowed from the kitchen. I hurriedly pulled on a long-sleeved shirt to hide the fresh bruises marking my arms and made my way toward him.

"You know I hate messes," he sneered, his eyes cold and unyielding. "Clean it up."

I nodded silently, grabbing a broom. This was our routine now-a dance of anger and fear that left me hollow inside. As I swept up the glass, I thought about work. It wasn't much better, but at least it offered a reprieve.

After I cleaned the mess, I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, my heart heavy and my spirit even heavier. The walk to work was my only peace, the morning air cool against my skin. As I entered the small coffee shop where I worked, the familiar smell of roasted beans greeted me, but so did the grimace of my manager, Mr. Thompson.

"You're late, Claire," he barked, his eyes narrowing. He was a short man with a permanent scowl etched on his face, his temper as bitter as the coffee he served.

"Sorry, Mr. Thompson," I mumbled, hurrying to tie my apron. "It won't happen again."

"It better not," he snapped. "Get to work."

As I moved behind the counter, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned to see my friend Lily, her eyes sparkling with mischief as always. She was the only bright spot in this dreary place, her sass and boldness a stark contrast to my meekness.

"Morning, sunshine," she said with a wink. "Rough night?"

I gave her a small smile. "You could say that."

"Well, don't let Mr. Grumpy Pants get you down," she said loudly, making sure Mr. Thompson could hear. "He's just mad his coffee tastes like dirt."

Mr. Thompson shot her a glare, but Lily just laughed it off, tossing her long, curly hair over her shoulder. She had a way of making even the worst situations bearable, and for that, I was grateful.

"Thanks, Lily," I said softly.

"Anytime, babe," she replied, giving my arm a comforting squeeze. "Remember, you're stronger than you think."

I nodded, her words a small comfort as I started my shift. As the hours passed, I found myself glancing at the clock, counting down the minutes until I could leave this place. But even as I worked, I felt a strange sensation, as if someone was watching me. Shaking off the feeling, I focused on getting through the day, one moment at a time.

A/N

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