AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her eyebrows draw together, and she moves closer to me. “Really?” She lifts her arm and rubs her hand over my bicep to offer me some comfort. “From what I’ve learned and seen the past week, it’s clear you haven’t had an easy childhood. Tonight must’ve triggered you as well.”
Staring into Mrs. Accardi’s kind eyes, there’s a twisting sensation in my chest, and a lump pushes to my throat.
I swallow the emotion down and force a smile to my face.
“You don’t have to worry about me. I’m stronger than I look.”
A compassionate expression softens her features. “I’m here if you need to talk or just need a hug.”
A hug?
I can’t remember ever being hugged.
Before I can stop myself, I whisper, “I’d really love a hug.”
Mrs. Accardi doesn’t hesitate to pull me into her arms. Emotions crash through me, and I hesitate before I return the embrace.
She starts to gently pat my back, and it causes tears to burn in my eyes.
“You’re going to be okay, cara,” she coos, her tone motherly.
Dio.
I squeeze my eyes shut, and it takes all my strength not to cry.
When I feel my resolve crumbling, I pull away from her and say, “Thank you.”
“Try to get some sleep,” she murmurs, a soft smile on her face.
“I will.”
My muscles strain to keep the emotions from overwhelming me.
Mrs. Accardi walks to the door and opens it. Glancing at me, she offers me another caring smile. “Good night, cara.”
“Night,” I murmur, my voice strained.
The moment the door shuts behind her, and I’m finally alone, a breath bursts over my lips. I cover my face with my hands as a tear escapes.
From years of conditioning, I fight the emotion and refuse to let another tear fall.
It takes me a few minutes to calm down, and only then am I able to relish in how good the hug felt.
I wish I had Mrs. Accardi for a mother.
Letting out a tired sigh, I grab my phone and check my notifications. I try to stay busy so I don’t spiral down a path of self-pity because of the stress I’m under.
Hours pass, and when my stomach grumbles for the tenth time, I set down the phone and wonder if I should risk going to the kitchen.
I check the time, and noticing it’s past midnight, I feel it would be safe.
Everyone should be asleep.
I tighten the belt of my robe before I open my bedroom door carefully, so it won’t make a sound. I sneak out and quickly make my way through the dark mansion.
When I reach the kitchen, a smile tugs at my mouth as I switch on the light.
Checking the pantry, I find a tub of Nutella. I fix myself a sandwich, and while I’m enjoying it, I prepare a cup of tea.
