NE

ng with a deep authority that made me catch my breath. He was sitting

bled like a beast at the mere sight of it. The real issue was that if I consumed more than my

o my lips before he could demand that I stuff my mouth even fuller. Despite the bath he had given me and the moments of apparent kindness, I

monster within him at bay. Yet, deep down, I feared it was o

illing and low. I tensed but quickly shook my head.

ough. Why won'

m my eyes; I couldn't eat any

when I realized tears were streaming down my cheeks. I hadn't even noticed

at however you want." I remained silent, my gaze

But then I heard his footsteps. Slowly, I opened my eyes and realized he was no longer beside me. Turning

pated some sort of reaction from

anaged to eat just one meatball. Once I finished, I gulped down the juice in one

dishes. I noticed the washing machine nearby, but I had no idea how to operate it. Monica had never let me use the one at home, and it

dropped the glass plate, shattering it on the floor. I looked up to see him standin

urely lead to punishment. But perhaps that would be a relief, as it would confirm he

you'll cut yourself!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with concern. Yet, I persisted, determined to clean up the mess. To my astonishment, he ben

jure yourself," he insisted, gently removing my hand from my head. I coul

lumsiness, I stepped on a sharp fragment of glass, a si

at began to stain the pristine white tiles beneath us. I follow

cked out," he said, pulling me forward. I stumbled, and he let out an ex

s arms, cradling me like a bride, and m

oward the counter, positioning me carefully before sitting me down. He lifted

elf, retrieving a first aid kit and dropped it on the counter with a loud thud that made me flinch. He glanced at me, eyebrows raised, and I quickly a

hat fell across my face, and a wave of confusion washed over me. What was his motive

e part of Mo