THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE
Elliana didn't leave her room all night.
Her father's words echoed over and over—ruined lives—like they carried a meaning she couldn't reach yet. She stared at the ceiling, replaying every moment she'd spent with Leon, searching his eyes for answers she hadn't known to ask.
Morning came heavy.
At school, she barely spoke. Even Samantha couldn't pull her out of her thoughts.
"You're scaring me," Samantha whispered. "What happened with your dad?"
Elliana shook her head. "He knows about Leon."
Samantha sighed. "That was bound to happen."
But Elliana knew it was more than that. Something in her father's voice had changed. Like he was holding back a truth too painful to touch.
That evening, she met Leon at their usual quiet spot by the ocean. He was already there, staring at the waves like they were about to confess something.
"My dad knows," Elliana said immediately.
Leon stiffened. "About us?"
"About you," she corrected. "The photo is everywhere."
Leon cursed under his breath. "I never meant for you to get dragged into this."
Elliana crossed her arms. "That's not what I'm worried about."
He looked at her then. "What are you worried about?"
She hesitated. "My dad said you ruined lives."
Leon's jaw tightened. "He would."
"Why?" she pressed. "What aren't you telling me?"
The silence that followed was heavy enough to drown in.
Leon turned away. "Some things can't be undone."
Elliana stepped closer. "That's not an answer."
"I know," he whispered.
Her voice shook. "Did you hurt someone?"
Leon closed his eyes. "Not on purpose."
Elliana's heart skipped. "Leon…"
He finally looked at her, eyes dark with regret. "There was an accident. A long time ago. Someone got caught in the middle."
Elliana froze.
"Who?" she asked.
Leon shook his head. "I can't say."
Anger mixed with fear inside her. "You don't trust me?"
"That's not it," he said quickly. "I don't trust myself."
Elliana felt tears sting her eyes. "You let me tell you about my mom. You held my hand while I cried."
Leon's voice broke. "That's what makes this worse."
Elliana stared at him. "What does that mean?"
He looked away again. "Nothing. Forget I said that."
But she couldn't.
The air between them felt heavier than ever.
Elliana took a step back. "I need time."
Leon nodded slowly. "I understand."
She walked away without looking back, heart pounding, mind screaming questions.
And Leon stayed where he was, fists clenched, knowing he was running out of time.
Because the truth wasn't just painful.
It was dangerous.
And when it came out, it would tear her world apart.