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𝐊𝐀𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐈 𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐇 𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐒 | 𝟏𝟗

I left my room, the worn wooden floorboards cool beneath my bare feet, and made my way towards the living room.

As I approached the open doorway to the living room, a sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach.

There, on the old couch was my mom, nestled close to yet another man.

"Oh" I murmured softly, my voice barely audible in the quiet apartment.

After my dads death 2 years ago my mom started to always bring in new men.

My mom turned towards me, her expression shifting from contentment to something more guarded as her eyes scanned me critically.

"Kaelani, don't you think you should cover up?" she remarked, her tone tinged with disapproval.

I glanced down at myself, puzzled by her comment.

All I had on were my favorite pajamas—shorts and a top that had become a bit snug over time.

"But I'm just wearing pajamas" I protested quietly, looking back up at her, hoping for some understanding.

However, instead of reassurance, I saw the man my mom had over looking at me in a way that made my skin crawl.

He licked his lips slowly, his gaze lingering on me far too long, making me feel exposed and vulnerable.

A wave of discomfort washed over me, and without another word, I turned and hurried out of the room.

I headed towards my brothers room.

Tyrell, two years older, and my younger brother Malik, who was two years younger than me, were absorbed in their video games as I quietly slipped into the room.

"Hey guys" I greeted softly, trying to sound casual despite the unease still gnawing at me.

"Sup" Tyrell replied distractedly, his attention momentarily flickering towards me before returning to the game.

"Ty this is boring, let's go outside" malik declared with a hint of impatience.

Tyrell nodded in agreement. "Ight let's go, river should be at the park too" he said, powering down the game console as they prepared to leave the room.

Eager to join them i spoke up, "I wanna go too" hoping to be included in their plans.

"Nah sis, we finna play basketball with the boys" tyrell he explained.

"Okay? I can play too, you know I'm good"

but Tyrell shook his head firmly. "No, Kae, maybe next time" he said, his tone final as he and Malik exited the room, leaving me behind once again.

"Mom, I wanna go to the park too" I called out, hoping to catch her attention and perhaps find some semblance of parental guidance or approval.

However, her response was curt and dismissive, her voice carrying from the living room to where I stood in the hallway

"Go wash the dishes, the kitchen's a mess" she instructed, her words leaving me deflated and ignored once more.

The weight of the moment settled heavily upon me, my chest rising and falling with a mix of unspoken emotions.

My mom's voice cut through the tense silence, sharp and knowing.

"Control your anger, girl," she admonished, her words a reminder of the ongoing battle I faced with my own emotions.

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