He got into the car, crumpling the note in his fist, then tossed it onto the passenger-side floor mat.
Back home, he opened the freezer and grabbed ice, wrapping it in a towel before pressing it to his cheek. “Ah…” The cold burned, but he kept it there.
The words replayed in his head.
“You were smart to keep your head down... Now you’re the one who’s paying for it.”
“People like that need to be put in their place. But you’re probably too much of a pushover to do anything about it.”
He slammed his fist into the couch. “That’s why I just stand there and take it!” he shouted, his breathing turning ragged.
Hours later, close to noon, Anna’s name appeared on his screen. She asked if they were still going out. He hesitated before replying that he was a bit tired today. The lie sat heavy in his chest the second he sent it.
Her response came a second later.Tired? Are you okay?
He looked away from the screen. What was he supposed to tell her? That he’d been pinned down in a bathroom and beaten? That he was scared? That he didn’t know how to defend himself? Instead, he asked if they could go out tomorrow. There was a brief pause before she agreed.
He let out a slow breath, though he wasn’t sure whether it was relief or shame. He checked the mirror again. The swelling had deepened into purple.
Half an hour later, the doorbell rang. He looked through the peephole and froze seeing Anna. He didn’t want her to see him like this.
“Ody, open up.”
He stood still on the other side of the door, staring at it, not moving. “Wh-what’s going on, baby?”
“You seemed off in your texts. Did something happen?”
He dragged a hand through his hair, exhaling. “No. Why did you come all the way here?”
“Open up so we can talk properly.”
He glanced toward the mirror, jaw tightening. “Uh… I just got out of the shower.”
“So what? Just open the door.”
He hesitated, then pulled the door open, keeping his head down.
“You’re dressed.” She frowned, stepping inside. “Ody, why won’t you look at me?”
He turned away and headed for the living room, brushing a hand over the back of his neck.
“Ody, look at me.” She hurried after him and caught his chin, lifting his face. Her eyes widened, her breath catching. “What happened to you?”
Chapter 7
Ody lowered his gaze and turned his head away. “It’s nothing.” He stepped back into the living room.
“How can you say that? It’s bruising.”
“It’s really not a big deal.”
“Are you kidding me, Ody?” Her voice was calm, but tight. “Who hit you?”
He sighed. There was no point lying to her. “Some guys at college.”
Her eyes widened. “Why?”
“Just forget it.”
