𝐁𝐀𝐁𝐘𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 [18+]

- 24 -

My skin prickled with unease right from the moment I opened my eyes this morning.

Damn, Val to the darkest pits of hell.

He's stirring a part I've been keeping under wraps from everyone. Hell, I've been shielding myself from that part, too.

Haunted memories.

Excruciating pain.

Dead eyes.

Every time I stare into his smoky gaze, I see a hint of the darkness I left behind. I'll be damned if I let him or anyone else force me to remember that nightmare.

"Zara baby?"

"Sorry," I smile back and take the bottle of mineral water my mom offers. "I've been thinking about the patients."

I did have a shift at the mental health clinic today right after college. I was getting ready for that and then I zoned out in the kitchen while my mom was packing my lunch. I insisted I didn't need it since the school provided me with lunch.

Yes, Mom and Dad insisted me and my sister stay here for a couple of days before we actually get lost in our busy worlds.

As I sip the water, I glance around the kitchen, taking in the warm, homey details that seem to wrap around me like a blanket. Mornings like this in the house are the best - even if I am rushing. The smell of something baking in the oven fills the air, a reminder of how grounding simple moments can be.

"Are you sure you don't want any of this, dear? It's not much, just some leftovers from last night's dinner," Mom says with a gentle smile, her eyes filled with concern and love.

I shake my head, still focused on the thoughts swirling in my mind. "I'm good, Mom. Just a little distracted today."

Pen walks in from the hallway, looking tired, and drained and her usual put-together look is absent. She gives me a quick, assessing glance mouthing a 'morning' before stepping into the kitchen.

"I'm going to bed, Mom."

Well, two types of people exist. People who go to bed at night and then Penelope Lincoln.

"Pen you need to stop doing this!" My mom starts. "You need to start acting like a normal human, this sleep schedule of yours is seriously fucked up."

Pen just shrugs, letting out a tired sigh. "Mom, you know I have to handle these cases. I can't just stop because it's inconvenient."

Mom shakes her head, clearly frustrated. "But it's not just about the cases, Pen. You're running yourself into the ground. You need to take better care of yourself."

Pen gives her a faint smile, but there's no real light in her eyes. "I know, Mom. I'll try to get more sleep."

Same old, same old.