The Brightest Star

Chapter - Two

As I walked home, the cool evening air couldn't calm my racing thoughts. The mysterious man's words still lingered: "In case you need someone to listen."

I stepped into our apartment building and made my way to the elevator. The doors slid shut, enveloping me in silence.

My heart began to beat faster with every passing floor.

"Come on, Anna, you've done this a thousand times," I whispered to myself.

But the familiar ritual brought no comfort.

The elevator stopped on my floor, and I took a deep breath before stepping out.

The hallway seemed to stretch on forever.

I approached our apartment door, hesitating for a moment.
I don't know what awaited for me inside?

Susan's criticism? Dad's indifference?

I inserted my key and turned it, the sound echoing through the hallway.

The door creaked open.

I stepped inside.

And froze

As I entered the apartment, my eyes scanned the living room. Dad sat on the couch, his gaze fixed on me with a scowl.

He muttered under his breath, "Ungrateful, just like her."

I felt a familiar sting.

I ignored him, as I always did.

No greeting.

No acknowledgment.

Just silence.

I quickened my pace, heading straight for the sanctuary of my room.

My heart raced with every step.

I shut the door behind me, locking it with a satisfying click.

Safe.

For now.

I leaned against the door, my eyes scanning the familiar space.

Posters of my favorite bands.

Photos of happier times.

But even these reminders couldn't shake off the hurt.

Why did he always have to bring up Mom?

Can't he see I'm trying?

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.

No.

I wouldn't cry.

Not again.

I took a deep breath and let my backpack slide to the floor.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

I pulled it out, hoping for a distraction.

No messages.

Just the mysterious man's words echoing in my mind:

"In case you need someone to listen."
I wondered what he meant

The echo in my mind never stopped

"In case you need someone to listen."

I couldn't shake off the feeling.

To drown out the thoughts, I inserted my earphones and hit play.

The melancholic melody of "Torn" enveloped me:

"There's nothing where he used to lie..."

The lyrics spoke directly to my heart.

I closed my eyes, letting the music wash over me.

For a moment, I forgot about Dad's hurtful words.

Forgot about Susan's constant criticism.

Forgot about the mysterious man's haunting words.

Only the music remained....
Music........
As the song's final notes faded, I opened my eyes to the harsh reality of my room.

The silence felt oppressive.

I pulled out my earphones and dropped them onto the bed.

My gaze wandered to the old photo on my nightstand.

Mom's bright smile pierced my heart.

I missed her.

So much.

Tears threatened to spill, but I bit my lip.

No more crying.

Not tonight.

My phone buzzed again.

This time, a text from Emily:

"Hey,been a long time,how you doin?"

A welcome distraction.
I hesitated, fingers hovering over the keyboard.

Should I burden Emily with my drama?

But something about her kind message unraveled my reserve.

"Hey Em... Susan's been worse than usual. Dad's oblivious. Feeling lost," I typed.

I hit send before I could regret it.

Emily responded quickly:

"Anna, I'm here! Want to talk on the phone?"

Her offer brought tears to my eyes.

Someone cared.

Someone listened.
That's all I needed...for now

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