𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃| ✎

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞

I lay in the guest room of Emory's house, staring up at the ceiling as my mind swirled with thoughts. The events of the day had left me emotionally exhausted.

I sighed and sat up on the bed, looking around the small room. It was cozy, with a few pictures on the wall and a window that looked out into the backyard. But I couldn't shake the feeling of being an intruder in someone else's space.

This wasn't my home.

As I sat there, lost in thought, I heard a soft knock on the door. The knock on the door startled me out of my thoughts. I got up from the bed and walked over to the door, opening it to reveal Emory standing on the other side.

"Hey," she said, a small smile on her face. "Can I come in for a minute?"

I stepped back to let her in, closing the door behind her. "Sure," I said, sitting back down on the edge of the bed.

Emory looked around the room for a moment before turning back to me. "How are you feeling?" she asked, her expression concerned.

I shrugged, not quite sure how to answer. "I'm okay, I guess," I said, my voice sounding hollow even to my own ears.

Emory sat down next to me, her eyes scanning my face. "You don't look okay," she said gently.

I let out a small sigh, "I know. It's just... everything that happened. It's all just so overwhelming."

Emory nodded understandingly, "I can only imagine. But you know I'm here for you, right? No matter what."

I felt a pang in my chest, knowing that she really was the only person I had to rely on right now. "I know," I said, my voice cracking slightly. "And I'm grateful."

There was a moment of silence between us, both of us lost in our own thoughts. Then Emory spoke up again.

"Listen," she said, "I actually have to go into the office for a bit. There's some work I have to take care of tonight."

I nodded, "Oh, okay."

okay.

Emory looked at me, her eyes serious. "You'll be okay if I leave for a bit, right? You can stay here as long as you want."

I thought for a moment, but then shook my head. "No, it's probably best if I go home," I said, my voice resigned. "I can't hide away forever."

Emory looked like she wanted to argue, but she nodded. "If you're sure. But promise me you'll call me if you need anything. Any time, day or night. Okay?"

I smiled weakly, "I promise."

Emory gave me a tight hug, "Take care of yourself, okay?" I hugged her back, feeling a lump form in my throat. "You too."

Emory left, giving me one last look before closing the door behind her.

I sat there for a moment, feeling the weight of the loneliness settle over me again. But then I stood up. I had to face whatever was waiting for me at home.