Chapter 18: STRUGGLE

Edeline He was offering me a way out. How could I continue hanging out with my best friend under these conditions? I nodded, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. I was deeply upset—this pain was overwhelming. It seemed like others’ decisions were negatively impacting my life, and I was left to deal with the fallout. And what did he mean by “things I don’t know”? Fuming, I stormed out of his office and made my way to my parents' house through the back door. I needed the comfort of family right now. I’d cried so much that self-pity was the last thing on my mind. My emotions were raw, and I was beyond frustrated. As I walked along the dusty path to my parents' home, I noticed a couple of girls my age whispering and casting glances in my direction. I wanted to retreat, but my inner wolf was itching for a confrontation. I paused and made eye contact with them, holding their gaze firmly. They exchanged uneasy looks, their eyes widening slightly before they quickly looked away. Th