Stucky's daughter

3

After we had finished our meal, I gracefully rose from the table and made my way to the bathroom. As I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, a wave of emotions washed over me, and tears welled up in my eyes. In that vulnerable moment, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by a sense of heaviness, convinced that I had become burdened with excess weight.

Suddenly, a gentle knock on the bathroom door interrupted my thoughts, and I quickly composed myself to answer. It was my father, Steve, who stood on the other side. Opening the door, I inquired, "Do you need something?"

"No, just wanted to check up on you," Steve replied with concern etched across his face.

In that instant, a wave of nausea hit me, and I swiftly turned toward the toilet, unable to contain the urge to vomit. With my head hanging over the bowl, Bucky, who had followed Steve, knelt beside me, holding my hair back, while Steve offered comfort by rubbing my back.

As I finished emptying my stomach, I managed to catch my breath and mutter an apology. My father's response was not one of anger or frustration but rather a warm embrace as he asked if everything was okay. Unable to form coherent words, I simply nodded, excused myself to brush my teeth, and retreated to my room. Retrieving my diary, I poured out my feelings onto the pages.

"Dear diary,

Today... I can't even begin to describe how awful it has been. Rest eluded me as nightmares plagued my sleep, and tensions between my father and me escalated into heated arguments. It feels as if nobody cares for me... I'm surrounded by malicious gossip, and it seems like there's no escape from it.

In the midst of my turmoil, I found solace in biting the inside of my mouth and scratching at my hand, albeit briefly. However, my sanctuary was disrupted when I heard the door creak open, compelling me to conceal my diary hurriedly.

It was already 10 pm when my father entered my room, carrying a pill and a glass of water. Steve sat beside me, gently stroking my hair back, and asked, 'Y/n, is something hurting you?'

In that moment, I locked eyes with Steve and then Bucky. With a mix of anguish and fear, I shook my head, denying any pain. However, a searing ache gripped my stomach, causing me to flinch involuntarily.

Bucky noticed my distress and swiftly crouched in front of me, his voice filled with concern as he said, 'Y/n, please tell us. I know something is hurting you... Is it your stomach?'

I nodded, my body trembling, and once again, I felt the tender touch of compassion from my father, who handed me the pills and water. Though I hesitated, unwilling to accept the medication, I eventually relented. Turning away, I swallowed them, yet five minutes later, my father and Bucky kissed my forehead and bid me goodnight.

Returning the gesture, I drifted off to sleep, only to be plagued by a relentless nightmare.

✨I found myself transported back to a time when I was a vulnerable child, helplessly witnessing my father drowning in the depths of his drunkenness. Terrified, I locked myself in a room, desperate to shield myself from the chaos unfolding outside.

But then, piercing screams shattered the silence, and my father forcibly took my mother and me. Sobbing uncontrollably, I watched as we embarked on a harrowing car journey, where my father subjected me to his violent rage while my mother struggled to maintain control. In my anguish, I cried out, only to witness the unthinkable—the loss of control, as my mother's grip on the steering wheel faltered, resulting in a devastating collision with another vehicle.