Joan’s povMy thighs were sore, I placed my hands where it felt sore the most, and it reminded me of reasons why: I was staring at the ceiling so early, why I was so unmotivated and tired, why I didn’t want to step outside my door, my alarm danced by five this morning, and I threw it on the floor.Looking at it beside me, I see misery. It was an unlucky day, I guess. I had shattered it out of rage so early when it was doing its own task. I hated that it reminded me of another day—a day full of work and enough misery. I didn’t want to wake up, not this time or any other time.And for goodness sake, I was tired of everything. It was a Wednesday, two days before the weekend, so maybe I could lock myself up in the room. For all I care, it would be nice.But I couldn’t wait until the weekend. I didn't want to go out today; I was sick and tired, and the thought of it gave me an idea: I could call in sick for the week, which I didn’t hesitate to do. I took my phone, and I texted mom a very l

Joan pov“Thank you so much, Joan; you make me happy.” He threw his ball, and guess what? All the pins fell down—a perfect shot. Unlike mine, he tosses a couple of balls, and all of them were wins. I tried mine, which came out as a disaster; it wasn’t meant for me, which I was so sure of.He talked more than I did about vacations and silly events that had happened in his lifetime. For a rich kid, he has seen some shitty things; most of them were dares and some were just child’s play, but all in one, I could sit and cling on to my sour emotions or choose my sorrows.The latter sounded pleasant, so I placed the thought of home at the back of my thoughts, and the little girl in me sprang back to life, from a bowling night to karaoke to dancing to the music in your head and a slot of soda—so much soda.The night was so blissful, I didn’t want it to end, but I forgot that I had to go back home—a home I didn’t want to be in—but it was too late, and he had to drive me back home.Just the fac

Joan’s POVI would call it guilt if I had to name it, but I had no idea how I was feeling, excited?The day went on with Isaac and I moving hands in hands, talking about things that shouldn’t be counted as topics in a valid conversation.Occasionally, I saw some blush on his cheeks when I said something sweet or smiled, but I was nervous. My heart was beating so fast that I couldn’t breathe.I made some kind of big decision I was going to regret; I shouldn't regret it. Isaac is a good boy; he likes me, though it’s too early, and I feel I should get to know him even more than I just did, but still, I made the hard choice. I just had to believe it.The day was quick to end, and he drove me home.“Welcome home, baby,” mom said. As I entered the living room, Jone was massaging her foot. I barely paid attention to him as I made my way to Mom."Thanks, mom. How are you feeling?” I said. She looked at him dreamily, then back at me. "I am better,” she said. I nodded, then made my way back to f

Joan’s POVI ran into my room, then jammed the door behind me. As mom and Fred chased after me, they banged on the door, but I didn’t respond. Why should I when all they would give was lame advice, and why should I stop dating the one person who treats me right?“Joan? Open this door now!"“Joan!”I ignored them, then walked back to my bed. I had enough scenarios to keep my mind busy while I slowly drifted to sleep, just to be awakened by a call on my phone. It pulled me right out of sleep, just to see Isaac’s name boldly written on the caller ID.He asked why I hadn’t answered his call earlier. My reasons were justified: I fell asleep because I was tired, and I also didn’t want to talk to anyone, so I suggested I call him back later.It was late outside; the skies were dark, and my mind and stomach rumbled. All I had today was so much desert, which didn’t hold anything. I needed to eat, but I could wish for so much more than to walk out of that door. I didn’t want to see their faces,

Joan’s POVThe night was excruciatingly long. At first, I thought I could sleep through the voices that haunted me, but I couldn't, and it became worse when Isaac slept. The silence was loud, and it bugged my mind so much that I stayed up all night, just thinking of where I might have gone wrong, why I ran away so early, mom would be so worried, what if he hurt her, what if she died, I wouldn’t have anywhere to go.And why am I here? , I became so close to him that it irked my thoughts, but then he was nothing but pure kindness, and I should have liked it, but I didn’t.The morning time came too early, and soon Isaac was up and staring at me while I pretended to sleep. He went out, then came back again. “I know you are not sleeping; you don’t have to pretend,” he said. My eyes shot open as I curiously watched his unfazed expression.“How did you know?” I asked in hopes of his reply being something utterly cliche, but it wasn't; instead, he said. "I was watching the cameras earlier and