ia'

think, a part of me does. A part of me still wants to be accepted. A part of me wishes to have

's not m

orever, no matter how much I want to. The day is only beginning, and there are still preparati

ence is noticed. And whe

rd the store. I go straight to the grocery store, pick up

hen as she handles the final touches for tonight's feast. Every family is expected to bring their dishes and then share with

shine. Appearance matters tonight. It always does during gatherings like this

scrolling through his phone with the ki

s soon as she sees me. "I was starting

g the grocery bag on the coun

a pot. "I know these gatherings aren't your favori

to s

prive them of their favorite punching bag," I say with

nds on her apron before turning fully to me. "That's not true, T

ainst the counter. I can see the concern in her eyes,

is right. Tonight is about more than just the feast. It's about showing the n

it

ke this, and somehow it works, even if only a little. Th

hat when I don't

finally. "But I'm not

e gatherings anyway? It's just an excuse for ever

l smile on his face. "This is important. And we are a

eyes but nods. "Ye

t of standing in front of the entire pack, with

hand on my shoulder. "You'll be okay, Talia. Just b

ds are meant to comfort me, but instead they make me think

l, I

food, and move around the kitchen, keeping myself busy. It helps k

sses qu

glances at the clock

head back

le and black, nothing special. I pick it because it doesn't s

out how the fabric fits, how it clings in places I wish it wouldn't, or how differe

h a quick gli

... th

ssed dif

g ready, there's a

the doorframe. His usual smirk is go

says. "Y

rcing a small smile

k, I know I don't always check up on you, but... you'll be

hat's not something I

rough my chest. "Thanks,

. "Yeah, well, don't get used to it.

h, and some tension in

a thought forms in me.

looks back.

n sure why I'm asking, but the quest

once, he looks uncomfortable an

want my opinion. But, Talia... you'll

I nod anyway. Before he can say anythin

ackson! T

ne last look. "You

and heads do

alone in

to my heartbeat, feeling the weight of

take a

I fo