Secrets beneath the Surface

's

ded it now more than ever. My life felt like a series of unfortunate events, starting with the loss of my parents in t

tranger was a reckless decision, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it meant more than just a mistake. My missing wallet was

eart sank. Aunt Sarah stood ther

?" she demanded, her

d, avoiding her gaze. My attempt t

g room. "You think you can just come and go a

r the satisfaction of seeing me cry. I'd lear

spered, trying to d

across the face. The sting burned, but I swal

were a jumble of fear and anger. I couldn't stay here anymor

pared to leave. As I reached for my piggy bank, my heart stopped. The side

hrough the house. She emerged from

I demanded, my voic

the money my son borrowed? He said he

uld hardly believe it. Everything I

as long as you have," she sneered. "Maybe now

consume me. I had to leave, even if it meant walking out w

you're going?" Aunt S

ot back, stepping outside

ouldn't afford to. Samantha's house was a few blocks away, an

it, her expression shifting from surprise t

verything poured out-Aunt Sarah's abuse, the

ght hug. "You're staying here

night, I knew I had a long road ahead of me. But with Samantha