The past

Brandon

One year ago 

"You can't leave right now Brandon, I need to make sure you are safe," Mom grabs my arm as I pack my clothes into a duffle bag. 

I have stayed with her for too long, I have tried to be there for her. Make sure that she is not alone and this is what I get. 

Lies. 

Secrets.

Deceit. 

"I don't want to be here anymore," I tell her, my voice carrying the weight of my honesty. I can't stand the suffocating atmosphere of this place, the suffocating reality she's kept hidden from me.

Tears well up in her eyes, her gaze pleading with me. "I know, I lied, I've been keeping things from you, but your father—"