𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 | 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲

𝐓 𝐇 𝐈 𝐑 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐄 𝐈 𝐆 𝐇 𝐓

Sofia

I sit on one of the bar stools in the kitchen, nervously picking at a loose thread on my sleeve as I watch my mom move around the stove. The rich aroma of whatever she's cooking fills the air, but I barely notice it. My mind is consumed by the weight of everything I've been holding in. Every word, every threat Mateo hissed at me feels like it's etched into my brain, taking up every inch of space until I can hardly think straight. Part of me wants to run upstairs, lock myself in my room, and never come out, but another part, a desperate part, wants to finally let it all out.

"Sofia?" My mom's voice pulls me back to the present, and I realize she's looking at me with that concerned, worried expression only moms seem to have mastered. She can probably sense that something's wrong. It feels like I've been holding my breath for days, and now, with her standing here, it feels like the walls I've built up are crumbling. "What's wrong, honey?"

I try to swallow the lump in my throat, but it's no use. Before I even realize it, tears spill down my cheeks, and all I can do is shake my head, ashamed of how broken I feel. Without a second thought, my mom leaves the stove and pulls me into her arms, her embrace warm and strong, and for a moment, I feel safe. I bury my face in her shoulder, the sobs coming in waves now, spilling out like I've kept them in for too long.

She holds me, rubbing my back in that soothing way she always does, and somehow, just that small gesture begins to calm me. Eventually, the tears start to slow, and I pull back, taking a few shaky breaths to steady myself. My mom's hands are still on my shoulders as she looks at me, her face a mix of concern and love. "What's going on, Sofia? Why are you crying like this?"

I hesitate, staring down at my hands. This is it. I can't keep it to myself anymore. I need her help, and I need to trust that she'll understand, that she'll know what to do. I take a breath, gathering every ounce of courage I have left, and finally whisper, "I... I'm being threatened by Mateo."

Her expression shifts instantly, and I can see the anger flare up in her eyes. It's subtle, but it's there, simmering beneath her calm exterior. "Mateo?" she repeats, her voice low and steady. "What is he threatening you with?"

I choke back another sob, feeling the shame clawing at my insides. The words are stuck in my throat, thick and heavy, but I force myself to say it. "A... a sex tape."

Her jaw clenches, her eyes darkening with a mix of rage and protectiveness I've only seen a handful of times. She takes a breath, steadying herself before reaching out and pulling me into another hug. I feel her kiss the top of my head, and even though I'm still trembling, a small part of me feels a tiny bit lighter, like I'm finally not carrying this alone.

"Go upstairs and take a nap, Sofia." she says softly but firmly, stroking my hair. "I'll handle the situation."

The words are reassuring, but the fear is still there, gnawing at me, refusing to let go. "I'm... I'm scared." I admit, my voice barely a whisper. It feels like a betrayal to admit how weak I feel, but I can't help it. The fear has taken root in me, and I don't know how to make it go away.

She pulls back slightly, looking into my eyes, her gaze fierce and unwavering. "I know, honey. I know you're scared, and that's okay. But you need to trust me. I'm going to take care of this. You don't have to be afraid anymore."

I nod, sniffling as I wipe my face with the back of my hand. The thought of actually letting go of this fear feels almost foreign, but her words, her strength... they make me want to believe that everything will be okay. "Thank you, mom." I whisper, feeling a fresh wave of tears, but this time, they're not from fear. They're from relief.

She gives me one last reassuring squeeze, then lets me go, watching as I turn to head upstairs. I feel drained, my legs like jelly as I make my way back to my room. I close the door behind me, collapsing onto my bed, and bury my face in my pillow. I try to let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, my mom can fix this. She's powerful, after all. If anyone can help, it's her.

But still, doubt lingers in the back of my mind, a tiny whisper reminding me of all the ways things could go wrong. I just hope that, whatever she does, it's enough. Because if it's not... I don't know how I'll survive this.

————————————————————————————————————

~ R