"Fine," Athena whispered at last, her voice cracking under the weight of fear. "I'll go but…" She hugged her knees to her chest, her eyes clouding over. "What if he's angry with me?"
Gina reached out, placing a hand on hers. "Then we'll face him together. I'll be there. You won't be alone."
Athena nodded weakly, but inside, her chest was a battlefield of fear and questions.
______________________
The clock kept ticking, every second dragging like a weight on Athena's chest. It's almost time. Her pulse quickened but the problem remained… how was she supposed to leave with Sarah sitting right there?
Gina caught her gaze from across the room. Their silent exchange said it all… neither had a plan.
When suddenly Sarah's voice broke the stillness. She had her phone pressed to her ear, pacing with a crease between her brows. Athena, trying not to look obvious, picked up fragments of the conversation.
Something about her brother. Something about him getting worse.
