Untamed Hearts

C h a p t e r 10

I gazed blankly at my plate, my fork hovering above the food. This morning's realization had stolen my appetite. Oliver's intentions loomed over me like a dark cloud. Why did he want to hurt me? Was someone behind it? It seems too calculated, too deliberate. I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't understand. My mind raced with questions, but I couldn't figure it out.

Thinking about my helplessness last night ignited a fiery anger within me. I wanted to lash out and punch something. It galled me that I was so weak, unable to protect myself. If Caden hadn't arrived, who knows what might have happened?

My mom entered the dining room, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay, Luna?" she asked.

Paul had left that morning and shed been cleaning nonstop ever since. I knew her routines whenever she's sad or feeling down, she throws herself into chores. I offered to help but she refused. Yet I couldn't just sit back and do nothing. So I pitched in anyway, determined to support her even if she didn't want me to.

I forced a bright smile, trying yo convince her I was okay, "Of course I'm fine mom.....just not hungry" I lied, avoiding eye contact. I set my fork down. My gaze drifting back to my plate, the food suddenly looks unappealing.

Mom's skeptical gaze lingered, but she nodded anyway, "Ok" she said reaching for my plate, but I shook my head and stood up taking the plate from her.

"I've got it. I'll just heat it up later" I said. I headed to the kitchen to deposit my plate into the microwave. I had no intentions of eating it now but it was a good excuse to escape the conversation.

I retreated to my room, seeking solace in the endless scroll of tiktok. I hoped the mindless entertainment would distract me from thoughts of Oliver, but my mind kept wandering back. So I surrendered to a day of indulgence, binge watching K-pop edits, munching on Cheetos, and flipping through random Tv shows. It was a lazy, aimless day but I didn't care. I just needed to escape.

As an idea struck me, I instinctively wanted to curse my brain.

Don't be so violent, you haven't been to the comic store in ages. This is the perfect chance to distract yourself, don't you think?

I hesitated. Furrowing my eyebrows in contemplation, my expression turned skeptical. Was visiting my old childhood comic store really a good idea?

I was once obsessed with comics, devouring them like crazy since I was 8 years old but everything changed when I turned 16 and mom bought home Ddosun, my adorable dog. My attention shifted to caring for him, and I never found my way back to my beloved comics. Life got in the way, and my reading addiction was replaced with a new kind of love.

I hopped off the bed and quickly changed into a pair of jeans and a black hoodie. My hair was swiftly pulled into a high ponytail as I hurried down the stairs. I groaned in frustration as I reached the front door. I had forgotten my reading glasses! I trudged back upstairs to grab my trusty purple frames, with my glasses perched on my nose I bid goodbye to my mom and finally headed out the front door.

When I stepped outside, the warm sunshine was tempered by a crisp breeze that swept across the horizon. I pulled my hoodies cap over my head and exhaled a gentle breath, feeling the chill in the air. As I left my neighborhood I entered a different world. One of the spotless streets and majestic mansions that seemed to whisper tales of wealth. The eerie silence was striking the streets almost deserted, with only a handful of individuals breaking the silence.

I stepped into the comic book store, nearly forgotten how huge it was. It was like a mansion, overflowing with books. I couldn't help but wonder why the locals didn't share the same passion for reading, despite the store's enormity. It was a stark contrast to my own neighborhood where the store was once a hub for avid readers. I recalled the real draw for many was the free cupcakes and tea offered to regular readers.