Sixteen

The usual morning atmosphere was instilled in the living room. The flowers that lay upright in the porcelain vase had their soft maroon petals fluttering against the gentle breeze that had made its way in through the ajar window. The curtains, along with the wind, danced to the breeze. All was quiet and still.

That was until Hibis slid the front door open, brandishing her entrance and disturbing the silence. Unable to control her mildly loud movements, she closed the door behind her, her mind brimming with contents she had barely learnt just an hour ago. It was terrifying, knowing how some things were so hidden that even friends who looked ever so innocent could be downright guilty. A shiver ran down her spine, her thoughts raging with confusion and terror. What happened in the past 7 hours simply couldn’t settle into her chest—it was discomforting.