A Secondhand Repentance

"My mom basically told me to suck it up," I said, trying to keep my voice steady as I packed my books into my bag. "Like I'm just being dramatic about everything that's happening."

Chloe's eyes widened with indignation. "Are you serious? After everything you've been through?"

I nodded, swallowing back the hurt. When I'd finally broken down and called my mother last night, desperate for some comfort, she'd listened to about two minutes of my struggles before telling me that "life is tough" and I needed to "be stronger." As if I hadn't been fighting with everything I had.

"She said Dad wouldn't want me to fall apart." I zipped my bag closed with more force than necessary. "Like I'm choosing to be this mess."

"That's such bull," Chloe muttered. "You're literally working yourself to exhaustion to save your family while that asshole Julian makes your life hell."