New York, Mia


    After a tough week in the hospital, the day had finallye for me to be released. With the unwavering support of Be, Sophia, Sebastian, and Kieran by my side, the days had passed faster than I’d expected. Sebastian had been able to stay in New York for only two days before he had to return to Los Angeles, but his presence had provided much-neededfort during a challenging time.


    As I prepared to leave the hospital, I packed my belongings, a sense of eagerness building within me. Kieran walked into my room and checked to ensure everything was ready. I nodded at him, relief washing over me. “Are you ready to go home?” he asked, reaching for my bags.


    “So ready,” I replied with a smile, eager to leave the sterile environment of the hospital behind. The past week had been a test of my patience and resilience, and the hospital had offered littlefort. The food had been nd, and the white walls had only added to my sense of monotony.


    Following Kieran, I made my way to the car and climbed in. We began the journey back to my home, a ce that held warmth andfort that the hospital hadcked.


    Upon our arrival, I noticed Sophia’s car parked on the curb. “Sophia is here?” I inquired, my curiosity piqued.


    Kieran nodded as he helped me retrieve my bags from the car. “Yes, she’s here. Also, Mom called,” he added.


    My brow furrowed at the mention of my mother’s call. “What did she say?” I asked, my voice filled with a mix of uncertainty and skepticism.


    Kieran sighed, realizing theplex nature of my rtionship with our mother. “She wishes you a quick recovery,” he ryed. “She’s sorry that she can’t be with you during this time.”


    A sense of resignation washed over me as I heard my mother’s words. “Right,” I whispered, understanding the limitations of my mother’s actions. She was bound by a toxic connection with our father, one that had made her a passive participant in the pain and suffering we endured.


    Over the years, I had harbored resentment and anger towards my mother for her inability to protect me or take a stand against my father’s abuse. But as I grew older, I began to realize that she, too, was a victim of his maniption and cruelty. Her mind had been poisoned by his influence, rendering her helpless and devoid of a sense of self.


    It was a revtion that had been both painful and enlightening. I recognized that my mother was not the enemy, but rather someone who had been caught in a web of abuse and control. My empathy for her had grown, even as I struggled to reconcile theplexities of our rtionship.


    As Kieran helped me enter my apartment, I was greeted by the familiar surroundings that offered sce and safety.


    Upon walking into the living room, I was greeted by a heartwarming surprise. A huge “wee home” banner hung prominently, and I couldn’t help butugh at the heartfelt gesture.


    “Wee home!” Be eximed, her enthusiasm infectious as she rushed over to give me a warm hug. Sophia joined in, offering her own hug and a container of chicken soup she had prepared for me.


    Kieran, ever the supportive and attentive brother, handled my bags and took them to my room while I settled in the kitchen with a bowl of chicken soup. My hospital stay had left me with a healthy appetite, and theforting aroma of the soup was especially appealing.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org.


    As I savored the familiar taste of home-cooked food, Be and Sophia took the opportunity to catch me up on everything I had missed during my hospital stay. Their animated descriptions and anecdotes filled me in on the happenings and conversations that I had been absent for.


    Be had a suggestion for the following morning. “We can go to the park tomorrow for some fresh morning air,” she proposed, her face beaming with anticipation.


    I hesitated, my gaze shifting to my phone as I scrolled through a barrage of emails that had umted during my absence. “I don’t know, Bells,” I responded, my voice tinged with concern. “I have three clients scheduled for tomorrow.”


    Be’s surprise and incredulity were evident as she asked, “You’re going to work already?” Her concern for my well-being was evident, but I had my reasons.


    I looked up from my phone and nodded, offering an exnation. “Yes, Mia. The doctor said I need to rest,” Be pointed out, echoing her friend’s sentiments.


    With a warm smile, I reassured them of my health and well-being. “I appreciate your concern,” I said sincerely. “But I am perfectly healthy. I promise to maintain a bnced diet and avoid undue stress.”


    Just as the conversation reached its conclusion, Kieran entered the kitchen and offered a gentle reminder. “Don’t forget to take your medicine,” he said, a reminder of the doctor’s instructions.


    After Kieran had left for work, I ced my empty soup bowl in the sink, and Be and Sophia joined me in the living room to continue our conversation. We settled into thefort of our shared space, a sense of ease and camaraderie prevalent among us.


    As we were about to take our seats and delve into our conversation, the doorbell suddenly rang. I exchanged a questioning look with Be, curious about the unexpected interruption. “Expecting anyone else?” I asked her, my curiosity piqued.


    Be shook her head, her expression equally puzzled. “I don’t think so,” she replied. “It might be Kieran, he might have forgotten something,” she suggested, heading towards the door.


    It didn’t take long for her to return to the living room, but the confusion on her face was evident. Her words wereced with bewilderment. “Did any of you order pizza?” she inquired, holding a pizza box in her hands.


    Both Sophia and I shook our heads in unison. “No,” we responded, equally puzzled by the sudden appearance of a pizza delivery.


    Be reasoned that it might have been a mix-up in the address, amon mistake. She ced the pizza box on the table, intending to check the security camera footage to confirm her theory.


    However, her expression took a more concerning turn as she reviewed the security camera footage on her phone. “I can’t see his face, but he doesn’t seem lost at all,” shemented, her frown deepening as she scrutinized the video feed.


    With a sense of dread, Be opened the pizza box, revealing its contents. The sight and smell that emanated from the box left me in a state of shock. My stomach churned, and I felt an overwhelming urge to vomit as the pungent smell of dead roaches entered my nostrils.


    The entire pizza was covered in these repulsive insects, their presence a grotesque and horrifying spectacle. To make matters worse, a chilling message was scrawled across the pizza, one that sent shivers down my spine. The message read:


    Kill that baby or die together.