It had been a week since Sophia's mom had grounded her, and I couldn't take it anymore. I missed Sophia terribly, and I couldn't bear the thought of being apart from her for one more day.
I decided to take matters into my own hands and went to Sophia's house, determined to see her and put an end to the separation.
As I arrived at the house, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I took a deep breath, steeled myself, and knocked on the door.
Sophia's mom answered, her face stern and unforgiving. "What do you want?" she spat.
"I want to see Sophia," I replied, standing my ground.
Sophia's mom sneered at me. "You're not welcome here," she said. "Sophia is grounded, and she's going to stay that way until she comes to her senses."
I felt a surge of anger, but I tried to remain calm. "I love Sophia," I said. "And I know she loves me. You can't keep us apart."
Sophia's mom laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "You're just a phase," she said. "Sophia will get over you."
I felt a stinging sensation on my cheek, and I realized that Sophia's mom had slapped me. I was shocked and outraged, but before I could react, I heard Sophia crying and shouting out to me.
"Emily!" she sobbed. "Emily, I love you!"
I turned to see Sophia running towards me, but her mom caught her and held her back.
"Let me go!" Sophia struggled and kicked, but her mom was too strong.
I tried to rush to Sophia's side, but her mom pushed me away. "Get out of here," she spat. "And don't come back."
I was devastated, but I knew I had to leave. I turned and ran, hearing Sophia's cries and sobs echoing behind me.