The previous day had been a whirlwind of emotions, a storm that had dragged me to the depths of my being, where shadows mingled with the darkest desires. I hadn't left my room. How could I? Shame was a crushing weight that kept me chained to the mattress, staring at the ceiling as if it could offer me answers.
I had been reckless, both Damian and I had been. But what tormented me most wasn't the act itself, but what I had said. "I need you." The words echoed in my mind like an endless loop, a cruel reminder of what I shouldn't feel. He was my brother, for God's sake. My brother.
The air in the room felt dense, laden with a guilt I couldn't shake off. I needed to talk to my mother, though the mere thought of facing her made me tremble. I had been avoiding that moment because I knew I would not only have to admit what had happened, but also confront the lies she had woven around me throughout my entire life.
A soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.
