Safe | zarry adoption

s i x

On Monday, the doctor from last week came back to the coffee shop. I was working a late shift again, avoiding my mother. The manager of the place didn't seem to care that I was only 15. Whenever I asked for a shift, or multiple, I got it.

"Hi," he greeted before I could say anything. He seemed unusually chipper for it being 11:30 at night.

"Hi," I responded. "How can I help you?" Exhaustion seemed to be sleeping through my voice, but I tried my best to sound normal.

"The bruise under your eye is gone," he observed, making me wonder what he was going for. His eyes roamed around my face. "You have another one on your forehead." Unconsciously, my hand reached up and brushed across the bruise that I tried to cover with makeup. I winced slightly. It was fresh, given to me only minutes before I left for my shift that day.

"H-how can I help you?" I tried to stand my ground, to let him know that it didn't bother me, but my voice came out weak.

"I just want you to know that you can be safe. There are so many people willing to help you." His voice turned gentle, soothing even. "All you need to do is ask."

I ducked my head, avoiding his eye contact.

Realizing I wasn't going to respond, he gave me his order — the same as last week. I made it quickly, telling him the price before handing it over. He handed me a bill before telling me to keep the change and walking swiftly out of the door. I looked down to see yet another $50 bill.

Why does he keep doing this?

I unfolded it to put it in the cash register and a small piece of paper flew out. In messy handwriting was written please call me if you need anything. I promise I can help you. Underneath it was a phone number.

What the fuck.

An unreasonable amount of rage bubbled inside of me. Does this stupid doctor not understand that I can take care of myself? I've been doing it my whole fucking life. Nothing has suddenly changed. Yeah, maybe the abuse has gotten worse, but no one knew that except for me. Mind your own fucking business, I told him in my head as I pocketed the note. Why, I had no idea.

Maybe it would come in handy. I certainly hoped not, but just in case. Just in case.

yo yo yo ur fave bitch is back ✌️ (i hate myself too don't worry)

i know this update is suuuuper short but i wanted to get it up as soon as possible for yall. i mentioned this in an earlier chapter, but let me know if you want shorter chapters more often or longer chapters less frequently.

your votes/comments mean the world!!

- asteria :)