“Micah.” I was the first to break the silence, my voice battered and drained of life, a reflection of how I was. The room was once again enveloped in a silence so thick it settled in my throat, almost choking me. The air was heavy with the stench of sweat and c*m, clouding my entire mind. “Please answer me.” I cried from the floor. “It is still dark, Raya; I need to sleep.” Micah sighed, every emotion drained from his voice, but I shook my head. With shaky hands, I gripped the bed, helping myself up. My knees buckled from how long I was on my floor, but I managed to sit on the edge of the bed. “We need to talk about what happened?” I said, careful not to anger him, but I could hear his sharp inhale of breath, anger coming out from every puff. “What is there to talk about? You deceived

