Catharsis

*15*

It was dark outside and the rain was pouring hard, as if the sky was mourning for all the sadness in the world. I felt cold so I went downstairs to make myself a tea. But I had a feeling not even the warmest drink would make me feel better. 

Suddenly I could hear a knock on the door. Who would be this crazy to step out in this weather? I wondered if it was my dad and he got home earlier than he was meant to again. But he does have a key.

I hesitated to open the door first as I didn't really expect anyone, but then felt bad for whoever it was as it was heavy raining. When I eventually decided to open the door little did I know I was going to regret staggering on my actions. 

My eyes just widened in shock at the silhouette in front of me and my heart stopped beating. There she was, completely drenched and even though water was dripping down her face I could tell she has been crying.

The next second I grabbed her arm and pulled her inside, then rushed to the bathroom to get some towels. I wrapped a big one around her body and placed another one on her head, moving her onto the sofa, then gently sat her on it. I took my place next to her and started drying her face and hair.

"I-I am so sorry..." she muttered.

"I will get some clothes for you to change into after you take a bath. You're staying here with me tonight." I said sternly.

"I can't do that, I have to..."

"I don't care. I won't let you go back to that asshole and there is no way you can change my mind." I interrupted.

"But..."

"Please, let me take care of you. Just find a good excuse." 

I watched her nodding slightly and pulling out her phone, looking like she is writing a text. I sighed in relief. I went swiftly to my room to grab some fresh clothes. When I came back she looked like she's just finished with her phone and looked at me with sad teary eyes.

I showed her the bathroom and passed her the clothes. I held in my breath as I followed her movements and took one only after she closed the door after her. I was still shocked she chose to stay with me instead of going back to her boyfriend. While she was taking a bath I made her a tea and prepared some cold medicine.

Moments later she came out of the bathroom, but rather than looking refreshed or warmed up, she looked exhausted, like she's been crying for days. I took a second to appreciate how cute she was looking in my dancing pony pajamas, then I invited her to seat next to me and wrapped her in a fluffy blanket.

She looked so vulnerable. I felt heartbroken, but happy at the same time that she wasn't wearing a mask in front of me anymore . As if she trusted me. "Did she finally let me in?" I asked myself while looking at her to make sure she's having the medication.

"How much do you know?" she suddenly asked with a shaking voice.

"Not much, I just found out that he was haunting you for a few weeks and you probably just gave in. Why didn't you tell me? I am your friend, you should have told me, just for common sense, if not for advice" I revolted. 

"You have too much on your plate already, I didn't want you to have another thing to worry about" she pleaded.

I scoffed. "Why were you crying? Did he hurt you?" I asked furiously and I could see she was about to cry again.

"No, he's been really nice to me! It's just because... I feel so guilty... I-I just didn't know what to do, I-I never wanted to upset you! I am so sorry, Hobi!" she said through tears as they were pouring down again on her pretty cheeks.