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"I know you are hurt, but can you please try to understand me? I am just asking you a question," Zamiel said softly.
"Just a question?" Hazel chuckled bitterly, though she could no longer hold back the tears.
"Let it out. I am the only one with you right now, and I do not think there is any reason to be shy," he added gently.
Hazel opened her mouth to protest, but her emotions betrayed her. Tears fell from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. Zamiel embraced her, letting her cry into his arms as he rubbed her back with his soft palm.
After five minutes of silence, the quiet living room was broken by Zamiel clearing his throat. The sound diverted Hazel's attention to him.
"How are you feeling now after letting it all out?" he asked.
"Much better," Hazel replied quickly, as though she were trying to brush away what had happened just minutes ago.
"So, can we talk about the solution now? Or is it okay if you do not feel like talking about it yet?"
"Let us just forget about it for now. I will think of a solution when I am ready," Hazel replied softly.
"Okay then. Let me prepare something for you to eat. What would you like?"
"Anything," she muttered.
"At your service, my queen," Zamiel said playfully, bringing a small smile to Hazel's face.
"You are even prettier when you smile. Just keep smiling like that, even if it is for my sake," he added as he made his way toward the kitchen.
Zamiel's words sent butterflies fluttering in Hazel's stomach. Did he just tell me to smile for his sake? she thought, her heart racing. Wow...
Hazel spent the rest of her day with Zamiel. They chatted and played around, and for the first time, she felt truly free and happy—not even her own room had brought her this much joy. The hours flew by quickly, and soon Hazel had to get ready to go home.
"Let me drop you off," Zamiel offered. Hazel nodded in reply.
After a short drive, they arrived at Hazel's house. She got out of the car, but as she was stepping down, the faint sound of a camera snapping reached her ears. Someone was taking pictures of her without her consent. Before she could react, Zamiel got out of the car, walked up to her, and hugged her gently from behind.
"If there is any problem, you are always free to come to my house," he whispered softly into her ear.
Zamiel let her go, smiled warmly, and said, "Good night and sleep tight." Hazel only nodded in response, too stunned to say anything. She stood there frozen, trying to make sense of the situation, until Zamiel's car disappeared down the street. The camera continued to click in the distance as she finally entered the house.
Inside, Hazel was met with a sharp slap across her cheek. She held her stinging face and looked up at her father, tears streaming down her face.
"Why?" she whispered.
"Hazel, are you in your right senses? Why would you steal your sister's painting, disgrace her at school, and even injure her?!" Mr. Stephen shouted, his face red with fury.
Amanda's mother stood up and interjected with a fake look of concern. "Honey, just let her be. You know it was probably just a small argument between sisters. They will settle it themselves."
"I will not tolerate such behavior in my house!" Mr. Stephen snapped.
Amanda's mother pressed on, "Then, if you are that angry, why not send her out for the night? It will help both of you. You will not have to see her, and it will be good for your health. I just want what is best for you."
Hazel lifted her head, tears still falling, and shook her head weakly. "No, Dad," she whispered.
"You are right," Mr. Stephen said with finality. "Hazel, do not sleep in this house tonight." Without another glance, he walked away.
Amanda's mother smirked and shoved Hazel out of the house. "Just go and die," she sneered before slamming the door shut.
The rain began to pour as Hazel stood outside, still in her school uniform. Her clothes were soaked through, and her mind raced. Where will I go? How will I get to school tomorrow?
Then she remembered Zamiel's words: "If there is any problem, you are free to come to my house."