As Charlie paused at the doorway, his heart sank when he saw Madam Gizel and Steve sitting there in the living room, waiting for him. A cramp caught his feet, and he knew he was in deep trouble. His breath became shallow, and he felt paralyzed for a moment before Madam Gizel's harsh voice broke the silence, shoving him inside.
"Well, are you going to stand there or come in?" she demanded, while Steve let out an evil, mocking laugh. "Oh poor Charlie, you're in biggggg trouble."
Charlie's mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. "Wait, what's going on?" he stammered, trying to look innocent, but he knew his words couldn't save him.
Madam Gizel silenced him before he could explain himself. "You sneaking rat, what were you doing in town today?" Steve stood menacingly behind him, enjoying the spectacle.
Confused and shocked, Charlie felt like he was caught in a mind-bending interrogation. "How did she know? Did they see me in town? How could I be so stupid to forget to be careful? Could someone have told them? Oh Charlie you have soooo dead."
Madam Gizel grinned wickedly, revealing that she had discovered Charlie's escapade while they were away. "Oh, so you think I wouldn't find out that you were sneaking out? Huh?"
Charlie tried to deny it, "It wasn't me. Maybe it was that scientific study thingy––" but Madam Gizel exchanged a knowing glance with Steve, who swiftly handed her his phone with a wicked smile. On the screen was a picture of Charlie with Chloe and others, taken earlier that day.
She angrily grabbed Charlie's collar, her grip suffocating. "I'll teach you a lesson," she seethed. Charlie struggled to break free, yelling, "Let go of me!" In the struggle, his bag fell to the ground, revealing his precious book of lyrics. Before he could gather his belongings, Steve reached for the book and taunted him, asking if it was his little diary.
Charlie's patience was wearing thin, and he demanded that Steve give the book back. But Steve had other plans. He handed the book to his mom, who, upon seeing the pages of his heartfelt lyrics, knew that they represented something good, and that was the last thing she wanted for Charlie.
Without a second thought, she tore the pages from the book and flung them to the floor, causing Charlie to erupt in anger and sorrow. The tears streamed down his cheeks, but he mustered the strength to stand tall and speak up.
"I understand that you don't like me," he said in a loud, angry, and defiant voice, "but you don't have to try to destroy my dreams, because you will never be able to. You can only destroy the ones on paper, but not the ones in my head."
Madam Gizel and Steve were stunned into silence, unable to believe these powerful words came from Charlie. She responded with a threatening tone, "I see you've suddenly grown wings, but that's enough. From now on, I won't be going anywhere. I'll be at home, and you better not go anywhere, rubbish."
With those final words, she stormed off to her room, leaving behind a defeated Steve, who retreated to his room, still making spiteful remarks at Charlie. Charlie was left to pick up the torn pages of his cherished lyric book, his heart heavy with determination to protect his dreams and not let anyone shatter them.