she didn't satisfy her curiosity, s

m, and shoved his shoulders. How could someone fal

--" he

is Sa

sounded lik

on. The drowsiness in his eyes, darting away for a

ring dinner. Who is she?" Her voice trem

ion was inevitable. "Sasha? She is an old

sign of deception. "Why did Brian tease you

lly. "It's just Brian being Brian, you kn

convinced, decided to drop the subject for now. "Alright, if you say

•°•°•°

usic reached their ears, awakening them from

at? A party at our house

torn between attending the event and staying with Hazel. After a silent i

l's departure left her alone in the quiet room, am

~~

d laughter. Brian and Gideon, reveling in the night, urged Carl to enjoy the party. A

nagging doubts. The clock ticked away, marking each passing moment. Sud

ic beats welcomed her as she entered. What the hell was going on? Why was there a party in their living room? Scanning

yal, disappointment, and anger. As she approached them, her p

saw them lock lips. It took few second

°•°•°

t the hell was that? Carl was cheating on her in the dream. Cou

to talk," Hazel's wo

eath. "Go back to sleep, we could talk in t

nt us to

ritation. He raised his voice a little "Not n

in as Hazel persisted, "This

and sat up. "Who is who Hazel!? Why are you always

painted shifting patterns on her face as she struggled to find words. "T

te as the silent night became horrible. Haze

Hazel! You're ruining the night,"

rve to know the truth, Carl. For God's sake, am

g in the dimly lit space. "You don't deserve anything

Hazel's eyes welled with tears. The full moon

e truth?" he spat, his words slicing through the air. "Fine! Get out! Go to th

, stood her ground. "I won't go anywhe

the room seemed to pause, a suspended moment in time. Hazel's intensified, as she hoped anyone would come to her

cool night air hit Hazel like a slap as she found herself outside, disoriented

w of the night light in the house. Her husband threw her out

in her relationship. The night, once alive with possibilities, now

g a glass of wine. The distant quarrel and tantrums reached her ear

ght the glimpse of the commotion inside. Carl car

ied to Hazel's side. The girl

ng tone, her wineglass momentarily forgot

erned eyes. "He threw me out. He... he pulled my hair," Ha

ection, took Hazel gently by the arm. "Come with me, d

ary, it was neat and it had fresh white sheets

rm, comforting smile. "Here, cover yours

d. Beatrice, taking a seat beside her, couldn't help but notice the

m?" Beatrice's question was gentle,

rice's gaze. "I love him," she confessed, her voice a whis

tanding. "Love can be a complicated thing, dear

otions finally breaking through. "I don't know wh

the reality of a person. But you deserve so much more, Hazel. You deserve someone who treats you with resp

became a haven for shared sorrows. Beatrice continued to

ce, with a knowing gaze, whispered, "You're stronger than you

n, Rest now, dear. Tomorrow is a new day, and you'll find the strength to make

adled by Beatrice's comforting words, closed her eyes, hoping for sleep to take her mind temporarily, from the