The War.

Chapter 18: Comfort.

TW MENTIONS OF ABUSE AND MENTIONS OF R*GER

!! this one is an apology for the 2 back to back sad chapters !!

at least i guess it is cuz part of this is sad (sorryy !)

BUTTT PART OF THIS IS HAPPY SOO WAIT AND SEE !

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Her tears were interrupted by someone walking through the door. "Autumn?" The voice called out softly. She looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and vulnerability.

Autumn wiped her tears, determined not to appear weak. "What?" she replied coldly.

"Autumn, are you okay?" Mia asked gently as she sat down beside her.

"I'm fine, Mia," Autumn responded, trying to mask her distress.

"Autumn, you're clearly not okay," Mia said, placing a hand on Autumn's shoulder.

Autumn shrugged it off and snapped, "Don't touch me."

"Sorry," Mia mumbled. "You can talk to me, Autumn," she reassured gently.

Autumn shook her head, clearly overwhelmed.

Mia understood and started to get up, preparing to leave. But just as she reached the doorway, Autumn's voice cut through the silence.

"I'm just like him, Mia. I'm just like him," Autumn began to cry uncontrollably.

Mia quickly rushed to her side, shutting the door behind her. She knew exactly who Autumn was talking about and could see the torment in her eyes.

"No, you're not. You're nothing like that motherfucking bitch-ass idiot," Mia reassured her with conviction.

"You don't understand, Mia. I'm just like him," Autumn mumbled between her sobs, her voice filled with despair.

"No, you're not, Autumn. You're not like him," Mia insisted firmly. "You're nothing like him. The only trait you share with him is the last name 'Knight,' and even that's only half true since you're Fortune-Knight." Mia tried desperately to calm her down, her voice steady and comforting.

"I'm mean. I'm violent. I'm... just like him," Autumn mumbled through her tears, struggling with her self-image.

"No, you are not. Autumn, you are nothing like him. Listen to me—you are nothing like him," Mia repeated with conviction.

"It's DNA, Mia. You can't change DNA," Autumn said, her voice heavy with despair.

"That isn't true. If that were the case, you'd be abusing us all," Mia countered, trying to reason with her.

Autumn paused, taking in Mia's words and struggling to find a response.

"You can't respond because you know I'm right. You are nothing like him," Mia said with conviction.

Autumn sat in silence, not moving or speaking for several minutes. Mia decided to give her space, knowing that despite Autumn's harsh exterior, she had been her friend for a long time. Mia was lost in her own thoughts, reflecting on the guilt she felt over their strained relationship and the past events. Her reverie was abruptly interrupted by Autumn's quiet voice.