Axel sat there, his gaze fixed on me. As soon as he finished his beer, my father swiftly grabbed another from the fridge. It was only then that I peeked inside and noticed it was packed with beer—more alcohol than food—which made sense given Martha’s recent outbursts.
“Everyone, get out,” Axel commanded.
People started to shuffle out of the room, and I got up to leave as well. But as I passed by Axel, he reached out and wrapped his arm around my waist, halting me. “Except for you,” he added.
“Well, you said ‘everyone,’” I countered, settling back into my chair across from him.
He continued to fixate on me, as if trying to piece together something puzzling, though it was clear he was struggling.
“You’re not afraid of me,” he remarked.
“Your reputation certainly precedes you, but y
