The house feels different I notice it the moment I wake up just … off.
I lie in bed for a few seconds, staring at the ceiling, replaying yesterday whether I want to or not.
I exhale sharply and sit up.
"Get over it, Bella."
It was nothing just another one of his control games. That's all.
I get ready slower than usual, taking my time like I'm not aware of the fact that I'm stalling, like I'm not wondering if I'll see him downstairs, like I'm not wondering what he'll be like today.
Cold? Normal? Worse?
By the time I finally leave my room, I've convinced myself I don't care and that lasts about...…exactly thirty seconds beecause he's there at the end of the hallway.
Talking to Milo and the moment his eyes flick toward me….He looks away Just… dismisses it, like I'm not worth holding his attention, something tightens in my chest.
That's new. I walk past them anyway.
"Morning," I say, because I'm not the one acting strange.
Milo nods at me. "Morning, Bella."
