CHAPTER TWELVE: BURNING HOUSES

Natasha sat on the hospital bed—arms wrapped around her legs, gazing with swollen eyes at the door, oblivious to the things that were going on around her. She’d been sitting this way since her psychologist left. All she wanted was to go home. If she could, she would lock herself in all day and listen to the radio so loud that she wouldn’t hear herself breathe.

She exhaled in pure relief when the door opened. Finally, her dad has come to take her home. She recoiled in shock when she looked up and saw Kevin instead—what’s he doing here? She clearly did not expect to see him.

Kevin stood by the door, unwilling to move a step further into the room. Their eyes locked on and for a long second, they stared awkwardly at each other. He didn’t know what to say to her. He wanted to come in but wasn’t sure if she wanted to see him.

“Do you mind?” The word was already out before he could stop it.

When she didn’t answer, he attempted to take a step towards her but hesitated when he saw