Chapter 2

Depression episode.

I practically fled back to my art studio.

This tiny studio was something Ethan had saved up for a whole year to rent for me.

During my two years of recovery, this was the only place where I felt safe.

I reached out to touch the dried watercolor on the canvas.

The scar on the back of my hand caught my eye.

Over the last two years, I had almost forgotten how badly it used to hurt.

Ethan and I only had each other growing up. He raised me.

During my freshman year of high school, he sent me to a boarding school.

I was quiet, introverted, and hated socializing.

Naturally, I became the perfect target for bullies.

They poured water all over my bed. Since I couldn't sleep there, I curled up in the corner, only to be dragged into the restrooms.

I told the counselor.

He just gave me a dismissive smile.

"We don't have students like that at our school. If you're being picked on, maybe you should think about what you did to cause it."

Terrified, I called Ethan again and again.

But Ethan was working multiple jobs to pay for his classes and support me.

The third time I begged him to take me home, he snapped.

"Maya, I told you! I have to work! I don't have time to babysit you!"

I swallowed my tears and endured it. But they only got worse.

They threw bugs into my lunch. They dragged me to the rooftop, laughing hysterically at my pale, terrified face as they took turns slapping me.

With their cruel laughter ringing in my ears, I dialed Ethan's number with shaking fingers.

"Ethan, please... please come take me home."

Ethan's furious voice came through.

"What are you throwing a tantrum for now? Can't you just grow up?"

The line went dead. Chloe caught up to me.

She grabbed a fistful of my hair, pulling back hard.

The stinging pain in my scalp was nothing compared to the sheer terror in my heart.

I cried, begging her to stop.

But she just laughed and slapped me across the face.

They pinned me to the floor.

Chloe held a lit cigarette, pressing the burning cherry directly into the back of my hand.

"Still waiting for someone to save you?"

I don't know how long they kicked and beat me.

I just curled into a ball, losing consciousness in the pouring rain.

When I opened my eyes, Ethan was kneeling in front of me.

He was crying so hard his entire body shook.

"Maya, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault."

"I'm taking you home. Don't be scared..."

He cried desperately that day.

I had never seen him cry like that before.

He held my hand and swore he'd never let anyone hurt me again.

But only two years later...

He became the one hurting me.

By the time I snapped out of my thoughts, the studio was pitch black.

I didn't know how long I had been sitting there.

My phone lit up with a call from Ethan.

I answered.

"Maya, where are you? Stop acting out. Chloe made your favorite dinner. Come home and eat."

If I wasn't at home, I was always at the studio.

But he couldn't even bother to walk over and look for me.

Hearing him say Chloe's name made my stomach turn.

A wave of nausea hit me. I dry-heaved for a long time, but nothing came up.