#Chapter 102: Showing Off

In the days that followed, I made a conscious effort to regain my sense of agency. I threw myself into my work, channeling my frustration into every task I tackled. Aria and Lucas were by my side, offering unwavering support as I navigated the aftermath of the revelations. Bruce was still in the hospital, and the authorities were waiting to question him whenever he woke up. If he woke up, of course. It was slowly occurring to me that Timothy had indeed hit him with his car, causing spinal damage and a head fracture. Whether those would be crippling in the near future was a consequence I didn’t entirely reject. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, I found myself standing by the window, lost in thought. Aria joined me at the window, offering a mug of hot chocolate. "You’ve been cooped up all day. Have you been out at all, besides for work?" I shook my head, a mixture of emotions churning within me. "I'm trying.