As Nia settled into Zack's car, the thought slipped into her mind unbidden: At least someone was making an effort to clarify himself.
Her gaze drifted to the bouquet of pink roses resting gently in her lap. The soft petals were a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions stirring within her. Her family's faces flashed before her eyes—her father, whose stern disapproval had been the final nail in the coffin of her trust; her mother, whose silence had spoken volumes; and her sister, who had turned their backs without a second thought.
Where were they when I needed them?
The sting of abandonment was sharp and familiar, like an old wound that never fully heals and hurts at the worst moment.
