We were all still laughing at the childhood video—me punching tiny Keifer, him crying for the first time, everyone teasing—when suddenly…
"Wait… what's that?!" Percy squeaked, almost dropping the phone.
I looked at the screen and froze. In the corner, a dark shadow was just standing there, silently watching us kids. My stomach twisted, my heart beating faster than ever.
"Keif… it… it looks scary," I whispered, my voice trembling.
Keifer noticed immediately. His usual teasing smile was gone. He leaned closer and gently put a hand on my shoulder.
"Jay… it's okay," he said softly. "Don't freak out. It's just part of the video. Nothing's happening."
I tried to nod, but my throat felt tight. My mind went back to memories I had buried deep—memories I hadn't told anyone about, of times I'd been hurt, scared, and alone. A lump formed in my throat, and tears spilled down my cheeks.
Yuri, curious as always, tried to step closer to see better, but Keifer immediately moved in front of me.
"Not happening. Stay back," he said firmly, his eyes scanning for any threat.
I couldn't stop crying. My hands shook, and I hugged myself as if trying to protect what was left of me. Aries immediately stepped closer, holding my hands gently.
"Jay… breathe," he said softly, his voice calm and steady. "It's okay. We're all here. Nothing's going to hurt you."
Keifer stayed beside me, hand still on my shoulder, his gaze protective. "Jay… I won't let anyone hurt you. Not now. Not ever."
I hiccupped through my tears, whispering, "I… I can't… I… I won't tell anyone… it's… it's my secret."
Keifer's expression softened. "I know, Jay… you don't have to say anything. You're safe here. We'll protect you, okay?"
Yuri frowned, realizing this wasn't a joke this time. He didn't step closer.
The shadow on the video—the reminder of my stepdad—felt like it was reaching out, but I knew I wasn't alone. Keifer and Aries were right there, keeping me safe.
I hugged myself tighter, shaking, trying to calm down. Keifer whispered again, softly, "Jay… I've got you. Always. You don't have to face anything alone."
The room was quiet. Even Percy didn't make a sound. The playful chaos from before was gone. The shadow of my stepdad had changed everything.
And for the first time in a long while, I let myself cry… just a little… knowing that maybe, for the first time, I didn't have to face it alone.