The state I'm in COMPLETED

Confrontation

I didn't know what felt worse: The fact that my mother had just walked in on Harry or the fact that I had no way to stop what was coming.

The list was endless.

I was speechless. Frozen.

"I'm coming in, honey."

Her voice was gentle, but there was an undeniable weight behind it. Like she had already made up her mind about everything.

I stepped aside without a word, letting her in the room, my throat tight and dry.

She walked in with purpose, heading straight to the living room as if she owned the space. As if she had the right to walk in and judge me. She placed her bag on the floor, sat down on the sofa, and rested her arms on her lap.

The room felt small. Suffocating.

This could only mean one thing.

She knew.

For months, I had played out this exact moment in my head, rehearsing what I would say when the time came. I thought I had prepared my defence, my arguments, my reasons.

Now?

Nothing.

Nothing but silence.

Then, as if the universe wasn't done torturing me, Rose walked into the room, Harry following close behind.

He saw my mother.

He looked at me.

Then at the floor.

Then back at me, as if searching for strength—searching for permission to exist in this moment. His hands found their way into his jeans pockets, a habit I knew too well.

He was uncomfortable.

"Rose! How are you, sweetie? I haven't seen you for a while."

My mother stood up, pulling Rose into a warm hug, her eyes still locked on Harry.

"I'm fine, Leah... I'm doing great..." Rose responded carefully.

Then came the inevitable moment.

Harry cleared his throat.

"Hello, Mrs. Cameron. I... I'm Harry."

He extended his hand. Brave. Polite.

My mother's eyes didn't waver.

"I know who you are."

Her voice was calm, but her words were heavy.

She took his hand, gave it a quick shake, and let go.

"I'm Leah. Nice to meet you."

It didn't feel like a real introduction.

"Yeah... mm... you, too," Harry said, his voice quieter than usual.

"I'm sorry to intrude, but I need to talk to my daughter. In private."

Her words were directed at me, but Harry felt the weight of them, too.

"Yeah, sure... Rose, let's go get some coffee."

Harry barely looked at me as he grabbed his keys.

But just before stepping out, he turned.

One last glance.

His eyes said everything.

He gave me half a smile before leaving.

I still hadn't spoken a word.