72- Trapped

Author's pov

Tiara let out a long sigh of relief as she sank into her bed, feeling the weight of exhaustion pull her deeper into the comforting softness of her sheets. The days had been growing more stressful, and her father's increasing absences didn't help the tension in the house. From that night onwards, things seemed to change. Her father started drinking more, staying out late, and coming home with vague excuses. The once stable and reliable man she'd known now felt distant, and the shift unsettled her.

One evening, unable to suppress the gnawing concern, Tiara finally asked him, "Dad, why haven't you been home much lately?"

Her father paused, avoiding her gaze as he mumbled, "I had some work."

Frustrated by his lack of explanation, Tiara pressed further. "You could've told me. You always let me know before…"

He shrugged indifferently. "I forgot."