How Do I Break Innocence?

It was midnight. The house was quiet. But Philip's mind was loud.

He lay on the bed with his eyes wide open, staring into the darkness above him, feeling the weight of everything he had buried all day. Beside him, Dahlia slept peacefully, her breathing slow and steady. But Philip couldn't rest.

His chest felt tight. His thoughts kept spinning. And worst of all... George's words kept replaying in his head like a haunting song.

"You want me to accept you again, Philip? Bring Raymond down."

Philip turned on the bed, restless. He looked at Dahlia beside him. She looked calm. He didn't want to disturb her. So he quietly slipped out of bed, pulled on a shirt, and walked out to the veranda.

The night breeze was cold against his skin, but he didn't mind. He just stood there, arms crossed over his chest, staring up at the sky. The stars were so still, so far away, as if they were watching his struggle but could do nothing to help.