#Chapter 57: Brother’s Protection

Celeste I sprinted the last few meters towards home, my chest heaving and my breaths short. Up ahead, the warm lights of home beckoned to me; but instead of being inviting, they felt like claws extending toward me. Jack was waiting inside, waiting to berate me for sneaking out. My trick hadn’t worked after all. Was this one night of fun really going to be worth it? In a last-minute decision, I flung my mask and the case containing my colored contact lenses into the bushes, ensuring it was well-hidden beneath the brambles. It was a risk, but if Jack found those things on me, the situation would be a hundred times worse. I carefully opened the front door, praying that Jack’s reprimanding wouldn’t be too bad. The lights were blazing in the living room. I hesitated for a moment, knowing what awaited me inside, but there was no turning back now. “Where the hell have you been?” Jack’s voice boomed as I stepped in, making me jump. My older brother stood there