Summer night

Midsummer , Chapter Nine ── ✿

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

The first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow in Coraline's room. She lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of the previous night bearing down on her. The events replayed in her mind like a relentless loop, and sleep had been fitful at best.

Coraline's mother gently knocked on the door before entering, her face etched with concern. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?" she asked softly, sitting on the edge of the bed and smoothing Coraline's hair away from her face.

Coraline took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm okay, Mom. Just... tired."

Her mother sighed, her heart aching for her daughter. "I know it was a tough night, but you did the right thing. The police are handling everything now."

Coraline nodded, though her mind was still clouded with doubt and fear. "I just hope it doesn't make things worse."

Her mother squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together. You're not alone in this."

Coraline felt a small measure of comfort in her mother's words. She knew she had support, but the fear of the unknown loomed large.

The doorbell rang, breaking the quiet morning. Her mother stood up, glancing back at Coraline. "I'll get it. Try to rest, okay?"

As her mother left the room, Coraline tried to calm her racing thoughts. She heard voices downstairs and the door closing again. Moments later, her mother returned with a concerned expression.

"That was the police," she said gently. "They have Rafe in custody. They're going to need your statement today."

Coraline's heart pounded in her chest. The reality of the situation was hitting her harder than ever. "Okay," she whispered, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety.

Her mother wrapped her arms around her, holding her tightly. "We'll get through this, Coraline. One step at a time."

Later that morning, Coraline sat in the living room, waiting for the police officers to arrive. She tried to steady her nerves, knowing that recounting the events of the previous night would be difficult, but necessary. She glanced around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings and drawing strength from them.

As she sat there, her phone buzzed incessantly. Messages and missed calls from Rafe's friends and her closest Kook friends flooded her screen. Some were filled with concern, others with anger and disbelief. The notifications felt overwhelming, adding to the turmoil in her mind.

Her mother noticed and gently took the phone from her hands. "Focus on what's important right now. We'll deal with them later," she said softly, placing the phone aside.

When the officers arrived, they were kind and professional, guiding Coraline through her statement with patience and understanding. Sheriff Peterkin herself had come, a sign of the gravity of the situation.

"Coraline, can you tell us what happened last night?" Sheriff Peterkin asked gently.

Coraline took a deep breath and began to recount the night's events. She explained how Rafe had become aggressive and violent, how he had hit and pushed her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke, but she pushed through, determined to get her story out.

"I just want to say that Rafe isn't usually like this," Coraline said, her voice shaking slightly. "He has problems with drug use, and I think that's what made him act out. I don't want him to go to jail if it can be avoided. He needs help—rehab. But if that's not possible, then I need to press charges to protect myself."