Holding On To Hope

Chapter 3 - Fractured Words

The day had started like any other, but the tension in the air felt thicker than usual as Lina returned home from work. She had tried to push her worries aside throughout the day, focusing on her tasks and the supportive presence of Leon and Grayson. But now, as she entered the house, a sense of dread settled in her stomach.

Her mother sat in the living room, her expression as cold as ever, and the atmosphere crackled with unspoken animosity. Lina took a deep breath, hoping to slip past her without a confrontation. But the moment her mother caught sight of her, she sneered.

"What are you wearing? Jeans and a T-shirt again? You think you're a model or something?" her mother scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "You look like a mess, just like your father. You're lucky anyone even looks at you twice."

Lina clenched her jaw, feeling her heart race. The familiar sting of her mother's words pierced through her, but she refused to give in. "I'm just getting home, Mom," she replied quietly, trying to keep her tone neutral.

"Just getting home? You mean you've been wasting your time with those useless friends of yours at that stupid job? I can't believe how you waste your potential, all because you want to play house with those two," her mother continued, her voice rising. "You think Leon and Grayson care about you? They're not your family. They're just putting on a show, pretending they give a damn."

Each word was like a blow to Lina's spirit. She felt the anger boiling inside her, but she held it in. Her mother wasn't done yet. "You look just like him, you know. Every time I see you, it's like looking in a mirror at your father. That's why I hate you. You think he ever cared about you? You're just a reminder of his failures."

The words twisted like a knife in Lina's chest. She could feel the tears threatening to spill over, but she fought to keep them at bay. "Mom, please..." she whispered, but it was no use. Her mother was on a roll, her voice growing louder and more furious.

"You're worthless, Lina. You'll never amount to anything. You're lucky I even let you live here. Maybe if you tried harder, you wouldn't be such a disappointment," her mother spat, and with that, Lina felt her heart shatter.

She turned and fled to her room, slamming the door behind her. The walls felt like they were closing in, and the weight of her mother's words crashed down on her. Lina sank to the floor, her breaths coming in rapid bursts. The anxiety gripped her chest, tightening its hold until it felt like she couldn't breathe.

Just as the tears began to fall, her phone buzzed. It was Leon. She hesitated but picked it up, hoping his voice would calm her racing heart. "Lina? Hey, you there?" he asked, his tone immediately shifting to concern.

"Yeah..." she managed to choke out, but it was barely a whisper.

"What's wrong? You don't sound good," he pressed, his voice laced with worry.

"Just... the same stuff, you know," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant, but the tremor in her voice gave her away.

"Lina," he said, his tone firm. "Tell me what happened. Did your mom say something?"

She felt a fresh wave of panic rise within her. "It's nothing, really. I'm just tired," she lied, her voice breaking.

"Stop lying to me," Leon snapped, the anger clear in his voice. "I can't stand hearing you like this. I'm coming to get you out of there. She needs to be put in her place."

"No, Leon, please don't," Lina pleaded, panic rising in her chest at the thought of him confronting her mother. "It'll only make things worse."

"Lina, you shouldn't have to put up with this. You deserve better," he said, his frustration palpable.

"I know, but please. Just stay on the phone with me," she begged, her voice barely above a whisper.

Leon sighed, his anger dissipating as he heard the desperation in her voice. "Alright. Just breathe, okay? I'm here." he instructed gently.

As she listened to him, his calming presence began to wash over her, grounding her in the moment.

Leon started recounting funny stories from work, his laughter breaking through her panic. Little by little, she felt herself calming down, the anxiety loosening its grip.

After a while, Lina found herself feeling more at ease, even as the weight of her earlier conversation lingered in her mind. She didn't want to dwell on it any longer.

"Thank you, Leon, You're the best brother," she said softly, her eyelids growing heavy.

"Anytime, my child. I'm just a call away. Don't forget that," he replied, his voice gentle and reassuring.

As she lay in her bed, listening to his voice, she felt herself drifting off, the warmth of their conversation wrapping around her like a blanket. "Goodnight, Lina. I love you, my child," he said, and her heart swelled at his words.

"I love you too, Leon," she murmured before sleep finally claimed her, a small smile on her lips as she drifted into the peace of dreams, if only for the night.