My Sunflower(Elio Story)

💛🌻Chapter 13: Chains of Despair💛🌻

Trigger Warning ⚠️: This chapter contains graphic descriptions of physical abuse, emotional distress, and intense suffering. Reader discretion is advised.

**Friday**

The morning light slanted through the curtains, casting stripes across the room. I lay still, the sheets tangled around me, but sleep was elusive. The image of Luna, her silhouette vanishing into the downpour, replayed endlessly. Her question, unanswered, echoed in my mind, leaving a hollow ache.

I pushed myself up, wincing as my sore back protested. I dressed quickly in a black hoodie and sweatpants, the fabric a stark contrast to the weight of yesterday's punishment. Downstairs, I slipped on my sneakers and grabbed my backpack, making my way to Uncle John's Restaurant. The scent of freshly baked muffins filled the air, and I picked up a breakfast muffin and a special treat for Luna. I ate as I walked, my thoughts still tangled in confusion and concern.

At school, I spotted Luna at her locker, her Garden Fairy dress fluttering as she arranged her books. Her hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, and her white flats clicked softly against the floor.

I approached her locker, bypassing mine.

"Hi, My Moonflower," I greeted, my voice soft but steady.

She looked up, her eyes tired but bright. "Oh, hi, Elio," she said, closing her locker with a science textbook cradled in her arms.

"Are you okay?" I asked, worry etched in my gaze.

She took a deep breath, her eyes lowering. "My parents found out about Ethan. They're not happy about the breakup, and no matter how much I try to explain, they just won't listen." Her voice quivered, and I pulled her into a hug. She clung to me for a moment before stepping back.

I handed her the Moonflower latte, watching as her face softened. "Thank you, My Sunflower," she murmured, taking a sip.

"You're welcome. I'm here for you," I assured her, feeling a small weight lift as her smile widened.

"We should head to science," she suggested, I extending my hand. After a moment's hesitation, she took it.

Hand in hand, we walked to class, passing Grace, who greeted us with a smile. We took our seats, Luna beside me and Grace across.

"Luna, ready to present?" Grace asked. Luna nodded confidently.

Mrs. Hawthorne called us up, and Grace and I carried the climate change model to the front. Luna followed with a sheet of paper. Her voice rang out clearly as she spoke about our project.

"**The Dual Faces of Our Oceans**"

The model displayed a vibrant coral reef contrasted with a bleached one. Luna's voice was steady as she explained the implications of ocean acidification, each word adding weight to the visual impact of our project. Her passion and clarity earned our group an A+, a testament to her hard work.

**Saturday**

The sound of heavy knocks on the door jolted me awake. I heard my father's gruff voice from the hallway. Curiosity and dread coiled in my stomach as I crept to the top of the stairs, hiding behind the banister.

"Hi, Victor, we were wondering if you physically and emotionally abused your son, Elio?" The voices were unmistakably Luna's parents-Vivienne and Harrison Foster.

"Why do you want to know?" My father's tone was defensive.

"Just answer the question," Harrison demanded.

"Yes, I do," my father admitted.

"Good. We want you to give this to him," Vivienne said, handing over a small vial.