Delilah's POV
A knock on my door made every muscle in my body go rigid.
"Delilah?" Mom's voice filtered through the wood. Soft and concerned and completely unaware of what had just happened. "Honey, I made your pancakes. Are you coming down?"
I couldn't face her with my eyes red and swollen, my face blotchy from crying, when I'd have to lie and pretend everything was fine.
"I'm not feeling well. I think I just need to rest."
"Oh no. Do you need anything? Medicine? Water?"
"No, I'm okay. Just tired from everything."
There was a pause and I could picture her standing outside my door debating whether to push harder or give me space.
"Okay, sweetheart. I'll save you a plate for later. Feel better."
Her footsteps faded down the hallway and I was alone again.
Truly alone in a way I'
