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Julie
From a young age, people always said I trusted too easily.
I remember my mother warning me, like a constant scolding: "Expect the unexpected. Never let your soul be naked in front of others."
My father, more pragmatic, said I expected the same kindness in return for the too much I gave, believing the world would mirror my intentions.
But I never listened.
Year after year in school, I misplaced trust. Not just once—over and over, I put faith in the wrong hands, watched friendships crumble like castles made of sand. I wondered what was wrong with me, as if I was cursed to repeat my mistakes.
But in high school, I learned that it wasn't me. It was people. Some are kind, some mischievous, some indifferent. And still, I entrusted the ones I loved with my life.
Yet, I didnt know what consequences my agnorance would have,
until now.
"Alex, tell me youre joking," My voice was flat, emotionless, because I couldn't afford to react. I wasn't crying, wasn't angry—just waiting. Waiting for him to deny it. To say this was all some cruel misunderstanding.
"I'm sorry, Julie. I warned you to be careful, I just didn't know from whom until now." Alex shifted, uncomfortably biting his lip, his weight moving from one leg to the other like he couldn't find a steady ground.
"Who else knows?" My chest tightened, breathing fast and shallow. I couldn't meet his eyes.
"Me. You. My mom... and your father." His words came out softly, as if that gentleness could soften the blow.
Pain crawled its way up from my stomach to my chest, to my mind, making every breath feel like it was clawing its way out. I needed to act fast.
"Keep it that way," I managed to say, my voice a sharp whisper. "I'll figure out what to do next."
I didn't look back as I left his house, my heart pounding in my chest. My thoughts blurred, tears teetering at the edges of my eyes. I couldn't control the shaking in my hands or the tremble of my lips.
It didn't take much until I stood outside staring at his house—a quaint thing compared to mine, yet filled with life in its pastel-colored walls. It reminded me of a dollhouse
I guess he took that word literally, as he has turned himself into a puppet. The enemys puppet.
I rang the bell, and its echo felt like a countdown. Footsteps approached, my heartbeat quickening. When Max opened the door, I let out a shaky breath, barely holding myself together.
"Julie?" His brow furrowed in confusion. "What are you doing here?"
I felt numb, like I was floating outside my own body. My next words felt like they would seal a betrayal I wasn't ready to face.
