Olivia's POV
I froze when Mother said it.
"They're here to see you."
My stomach twisted. The last thing I wanted was visitors, especially them. I wasn't ready to face anyone, not after everything that happened.
"I don't want to see them," I said quietly, keeping my eyes fixed on Lennox's blanket still clutched in my hand. "Can they leave?"
Mother sighed softly, her eyes full of pity for me, like she could do anything to take away my pain. "You have to see them, Olivia. They came all this way. They're family."
That word again, family. I actually don't see them as one.
I didn't argue. I just nodded weakly and followed her out of Lennox's room. When I entered, they were already seated, my brother Calvin and my mother, waiting. Their faces lit up when they saw me, but I couldn't bring myself to smile back.
I sat beside Mother, folding my hands on my lap. The silence stretched awkwardly, thick enough to choke on.
