TORMENTED HEARTS

Y's

se where Rix and I grew up together. This house w

ared a snack for us. Gardening has always been my mother's pa

eir sharp thorns. I picked one, meticulously removed the thorns, and

ind, and I remembered exactly what happened. This i

part of the house. At the r

the rose garden. Sadly, he hit his head on a stone, both o

crushed the delicate flower in my hand

hen Erica crossed my mind. It's a

or Rix no matter what. Someone had to be held accountable fo

join us with your Dad," my mom's vo

ouse. After my short visit, I bid farewell to my pa

CA'

d to find Troy at home. Normally, he spen

econciled. I'm lying on the sofa with my eyes closed, and

nts. And today, I'm his subject. I noticed he was

ned to his usual self. Maybe Fatima was correct; I had misinterpreted eve

said without taking his gaze off his artwork, still deeply absorbed in it. I drifted off i

no longer there, and the painting m

idn't even wake me up. I reached for my phone and

re are you

re after you're dressed up; I'll wait for you. Don't rush," he r

lelight dinner. Maybe he's going to apologize; it's a peace offering. Come on, this is what

se, I made sure to look good for Troy. I wore an off-shoulder dress abo

ndering because I heard voices. Did I mishear something during the cand

after so long. I think this new one won

terial needs to be purchased from overseas. It's just a matter of time; we s

usiness. I reached the entrance

at a piece of paper, Troy's painti

let's relax

ds replied, grabbing thei

king that Troy might be proudly show

called o

e, and he took my hand

asked even if I saw them

eation to us?" one of the men in white interrupted, re

d smiled, but he had a serious expr

th it should introduce it herself," Troy

shy; go ahead,"

by Troy. You should be happy

y husband, and he knows tha

er why Troy wasn't the one explaining. A

married. I turned to look at Tro

much," I started, but I didn't get to finish. I noticed a change in their expr

enly, we all know he painted a pictur

xt to Fati

hifting glances between

But I brushed it off and focused

said to him before h

t's going on," Ryan sai

away, and took the painting. He pulled me out roughly. As

u see everything clearly?" he said to my

ck. It wasn't me. I wasn't in the picture; it was Butter, our cute dog. I

ears filling my eyes because of rage a

it up right in front of him and rushed into the bedroo