C9
500 Words
I drove back to the mansion in silence. Sofia sat beside me, her face buried in her hands. The air in the car was heavy, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of anger and helplessness that lingered from what I witnessed at her home.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I finally broke the silence, my voice low and filled with a mix of concern and frustration.
Sofia lifted her head, her eyes swollen from the tears. "I didn't want you to know. It's embarrassing."
Embarrassing? No one should feel embarrassed about being a victim of abuse. "Sofia, you should never have to go through that. You don't deserve it."
She wiped away her tears. "It's been happening for so long. I thought it was normal."
"Normal? Sofia, what he did to you is far from normal. No one should be treated like that."
She remained silent, staring out of the car window. I knew there was more to this story, but pushing her right now wouldn't help. Instead, I focused on getting us back to the mansion safely.
Once we arrived, I escorted her inside, keeping a protective eye on her. She seemed to be lost in her thoughts, the weight of her family situation evident in her eyes.
"Sofia, I'm here for you," I said gently, not used to offering comfort but meaning every word.
She gave me a small nod, appreciating the gesture. I led her upstairs, and she went straight to her room without saying much. I decided to give her some space, understanding that she needed time to process everything.
As I sat in the living room, I couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling in my gut. The rage against her father and the turmoil Sofia had endured were still fresh in my mind. I contemplated my role in all of this. I wasn't the comforting type, but something about Sofia made me want to protect her, even from her own family.
The night wore on, and Sofia stayed in her room. I contemplated the complexity of emotions that had surfaced within me. It was unfamiliar territory, and I wasn't sure how to navigate it.
Eventually, I decided to check on her. I knocked gently on her door, and she welcomed me in with a small smile. I took a seat beside her.
"Sofia, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to tell me. You don't have to face this alone," I said, the words feeling strange leaving my mouth.
She looked at me, gratitude and vulnerability in her eyes. "Thank you, Ace."
I nodded, not knowing how to respond to gratitude. I stood up to leave but hesitated for a moment. In that moment, I offered something I had never given before – a comforting touch. I placed my hand on her shoulder, a silent promise that I would be there for her.
As I left her room, I couldn't help but wonder how this unexpected turn of events might change things between us.
- Writer
