FORBIDDEN STEP

n the sunlight. His eyes, an arresting oceanic hue, drew me in with each mesmerizing blink. C

heart pounded in my chest, its rhythmic thud echoing through every cell. Th

talk " she said as she carefully led me to the black couch in the dimly lit

hum of the refrigerator as the scent of fresh coffee wafted throu

e frequent patients she oversees. My mom worked as a nurse in a closeby clinic and so

hat I love you and I will always put you first" mom said quietly, con

himself as Lucas Wilson . He asked for my contact which I reluctantly gave to him cause I keep

m his company to take me to a restaurant, the bar and sometimes we would jus

" my mom said, her voice laced with concern I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Th

ed off, unsure of how t

this is a lot to take in. But I want you to know that I've thought this through, and I tr

the fog. "But...Dad?" The word

But your father's been gone for a long time, and I've been alone for

mprehend this new reality. My mom, happy with someon

asked, my voice bar

rity, Ava. Nothing will ever change that. But I want you to have a chance to

wasn't sure what to think or feel, but I knew one thing -

him, but the ache of his absence lingered. I never got to meet him and up till now I still don't know what he looks like. Mom made sure there were no pic

to avoid the topic. Now, as I faced the revelation about Lucas Wilso

d remember. Forever, it seemed, we'd been a team

sanctuary, our safe haven. But now, as Mom's words hung in the air, I felt t

mom's words kept echoing in my mind: "Lucas makes me happy." But what about me? What about the life we

veloped me. My room was my sanctuary, a place where I could escape the world outside. The w

ows and stuffed teddies was a cozy haven where

of dog-eared books, a collection of seashells from our summer vacations, and a few favorite s

rs, calling out to me. "Ava, my love ar

n tears. Yeah, I needed some time alone. Time to process this new realit