Two words. Delivered like a verdict.
I laugh.
It bubbles up from somewhere deep, spilling out before I can stop it. The sound is sharp, almost manic, and completely inappropriate for this breakfast table.
But I can't stop. Because this is hilarious, isn't it? This man now thinks he gets to tell me where I can and can't go?
"Something funny?"
"You." I wipe my eyes, the laughter dying as quickly as it came. "You're funny. In a deeply unfunny way."
"Until this situation is settled, you stay in the mansion." He leans forward, forearms braced on the table. "Both of you."
Both of you.
I promised Lily. I thought we'd finally go to the zoo.
My throat tightens.
Don't cry. Don't you dare cry in front of him.
"Where were you planning to go?"
Nico's question cuts through my spiraling thoughts.
I finally look at him.
Mistake. Again.
His eyes search my face, reading things I don't want him to see. The tremble in my jaw. The shine building in my eyes.
He sees it all. I know he does.
And I hate him for it.
"Nowhere." The word comes out flat. Dead. "Forget I said anything."
I push back from the table. My hands shake as I set down my napkin. Fold it once, twice, three times. A useless task to give my fingers something to do besides ball into fists.
"If you'll excuse me."
I don't wait for permission.
I just walk.
Through the dining room. Past the living room where Lily's laughter mingles with Sophia's.
My chest burns. My eyes sting.
The zoo. Such a stupid, small thing. Such a normal, ordinary parent thing that millions of people do every weekend without thinking twice. But for Lily and me, it was supposed to be special. Proof that things were finally getting better. That I could give her something good for once.
Now I can't even give her that.
I find our room and close the door behind me.
Breathe. Just breathe.
But the air won't come right. It catches in my throat, sharp and painful, and before I can stop myself, the tears spill over.
