Seventeen

Andrey.

Every fiber of my being is devoted to protecting Hazel, but every day presents new challenges. It's not that I'm incapable of facing them, but it's startling how those who claim to love me can inflict the deepest wounds. The very ones who purport to shield me often become my enemies. Trust has become a luxury I can't afford; not even in my own judgment around Hazel.

Despite my desire to be with her always, there are times I force myself to keep a distance. It pains me, but I can't shake the fear that I might unwittingly bring harm to her.

Like today, she injured her head and blacked out. My mind instantly accuses Amanda of foul play, yet I grapple with the possibility of it being just an accident. Still, the suspicious circumstances linger.

Amanda's warnings echo in my mind, her words a haunting reminder of the danger Hazel faces by being with me. The sight of Hazel, more broken than ever after Amanda's wrath, is unbearable. As Amanda cruelly terminated her employme