CHAPTER 066: Out Of Character

“Get out.” My voice is louder now. I point to the door. “All of you. Out. Now.”

Julie’s voice cuts in. “I think it’s better you leave. Give him some space.”

For once, my sisters don’t argue. Carolina opens her mouth like she might protest, but Sofía tugs on her arm, leading her toward the door. Isabel follows, and within moments, the room is silent again.

Julie shuts the door behind them, locks it, then leans against it, watching me carefully. I can’t meet her eyes. I don’t want to see the pity there, too.

“I’m not going to bother you, Luke,” she says after a moment, her voice gentle. “But I’m staying.”

I don’t protest. I can’t. My legs feel like they might give out, so I sink onto the edge of the bed, my head in my hands. The silence stretches, thick and suffocating. I don’t know how long I sit there before I feel the bed shift under her weight. She doesn’t say anything, doesn’t move closer. She just waits.