I hit the floor. Hard. The impact jars through my tailbone. My hip.
Everything is ringing. Muted. Like I'm underwater.
I touch my face. My hand comes away red. Wet.
Blood.
"Lily. Oh god. Lily, I'm sorry." Henry drops to his knees beside me. Grabs my shoulders. Pulls me against his chest. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I didn't mean it. Are you okay? Please be okay. I'm so sorry."
He's panicking. His voice is high. Frantic.
He kisses my forehead. Holds me too tight.
I'm stunned. Frozen. My brain trying to catch up to what just happened.
Henry pushed me. My brother. The person I've been sacrificing everything for. The person I've been protecting and helping.
He hurt me.
He's never done this before. Never been physically violent. Emotionally, yes. He's said cruel things. Manipulated me. Made me feel guilty for having things he doesn't.
But he's never put his hands on me. Never crossed that line.
Until now.
I push him away. Not hard. Just enough to create space. My hands against his chest.
Stand up. My legs are shaky but they hold.
Put distance between us. Several steps. Enough that he can't reach me without moving.
He's still on the floor. Looking up at me. Eyes wide. Scared now that the anger has burned off and reality is sinking in.
I'm cautious now. Aware. Cautious in a way I've never been with him before.
He let himself into my house when he thought I wasn't here. Got angry when I was home. Pushed me. Hurt me.
I need to be careful now. Need to navigate this without escalating it further.
"I'm fine," I say. My voice is steady. Controlled. "You need to leave."
"Lily, I didn't mean—"
"I know." I don't know if I believe that. But saying it keeps things calm. "It's fine. But you need to leave. We'll talk later. When we've both calmed down."
He hesitates. Opens his mouth like he's going to argue.
Then closes it. Nods. Stands up slowly.
Walks to the door. Stops. Looks back at me one more time. His face is a mix of shame and fear.
Then he's gone. The door closes behind him. The lock clicks into place.
I'm alone in the living room.
Blood dripping down my face. Warm and sticky.
The silence is thick. Charged. Different than any silence that's ever filled this house before.
