HAZEL
I walked fast through the hallway, my footsteps echoing off the walls. My heart pounded in my chest, half from anger, half from the thrill of knowing Father was following me.
I heard him call my name again. "Hazel, wait!"
I didn't slow down. I pushed open my bedroom door and stepped inside, leaving it open just enough to read as an invitation.
He came in a moment later, his face creased with worry. His shoulders sagged like he was carrying something too heavy. Good.
"Hazel," he said softly. "Baby, please look at me."
I turned away from him, moving to the window. I wrapped my arms around myself, making myself look small and vulnerable. The moonlight caught on the glass and I could see his reflection behind mine.
"I don't know what to say anymore, Father," I said. My voice came out quiet, defeated. "I keep trying. I keep being the good daughter. But it's never enough."
