Chapter 5: Dawn Of Defiance
The morning sun crept slowly through the sheer curtains of Lydia’s room, casting soft light over the polished floor. She sat there on the cold wood, her back against the door, knees drawn to her chest. Her nightdress clung damply to her skin from sweat and tears. She had cried until her throat was sore. Her eyes were swollen and puffy, and there was a hollow heaviness pressing deep inside her chest.
She hadn’t slept at all.
A quiet knock came on the door.
"Lydia..." came Elena’s voice, barely above a whisper.
Lydia didn’t respond. Her lips were dry, and her voice had long given out.
Elena hesitated, then sat on the other side of the door, resting her back against it too, like they were sitting together again—only with a wall of silence between them.
"I’m sorry," Elena said gently. "What my father did yesterday... it wasn’t right."
Lydia blinked slowly, silent tears spilling again.
"I wish I could stop it. But I know I can’t. I’m scared of him too. I know he won’t change his mind."
She paused, her voice trembling.
"Please come out, Lydia. Don’t stay like this..."