Elyra had barely spoken since returning from their childhood home. Caleb watched her carefully, noting the way she would stare at nothing for long moments, lost in thoughts she never shared. He didn’t push her. He couldn’t. It felt like forcing her to speak would only shatter what little strength she had left.

The house was quieter than usual that evening. Their father was out, and their mother sat stiffly at the dining table, hands curled into her lap, looking more exhausted than ever. Caleb had seen the way she had been watching Elyra lately, as if something inside her was shifting. But she never said anything. She never reached out.

Until now.

"Elyra," their mother spoke hesitantly.

Elyra barely lifted her head. Caleb, however, tensed.

Their mother swallowed hard before speaking again. "Can we talk?"

Elyra blinked, confused. "Talk?"

There was a small, fragile silence before their mother nodded. "I just… I just want to know how you're feeling."

Caleb almost laughed bitterly. Now? After all these years?

Elyra simply stared at their mother, her expression unreadable. She looked… tired.

"I’m fine," she murmured, but even she didn’t sound convincing.

Their mother hesitated, then reached out a shaking hand. "I—"

The sound of the front door slamming made them all jump.

Their father was home.

His heavy footsteps echoed through the house before he appeared in the doorway, his sharp gaze scanning the scene before narrowing on their mother.

"What do you think you’re doing?" His voice was sharp, cutting through the tense air.

Their mother flinched but didn’t look away. "I was just—"

"You were just what?" Their father took a step forward, towering over them. "You were about to waste your time on that girl?" His eyes flicked to Elyra, full of coldness. "Haven't I told you enough times? She isn't worth it."

Elyra lowered her gaze, but Caleb saw it. The way her hands clenched, the way her breath hitched for just a second before she hid it.

Something inside him snapped.

"Stop it."

His voice was firm, unwavering.

Their father turned sharply, eyes narrowing. "Excuse me?"

"I said stop it," Caleb repeated, standing up. His hands were shaking, but he didn’t back down. "Just stop, Dad. Stop treating her like she’s nothing."

His father scoffed, crossing his arms. "Oh? And what are you going to do about it, boy?"

"I should be asking you that." Caleb's voice grew stronger, his anger bubbling to the surface. "What kind of father does this? What kind of man spends his life blaming his own child for something she never did?"

Their father’s expression darkened. "Watch your mouth, Caleb."

"Or what?" Caleb stepped closer, his heart pounding. "You’ll hit me? Go ahead. Do it. I don’t care anymore. But I swear to you, if you so much as lay a hand on Elyra ever again, I will make sure you regret it."

Silence.

His father’s hands curled into fists, but Caleb didn’t waver.

Elyra was staring at him now, wide-eyed. Their mother was frozen in place, watching the confrontation with something between fear and shock.

"You’re standing up for her now?" Their father sneered. "After all these years?"

Caleb clenched his jaw. "Yes."

His father let out a dry, humorless chuckle. "And what do you think this will change, Caleb? Do you think she’ll forgive you just because you suddenly decided to grow a spine?"

Caleb flinched, but he held his ground. "I don’t expect her to forgive me," he admitted. "I don’t even deserve it. But I won’t stand by and let you destroy what little time she has left."

His father’s expression faltered just slightly. "What are you talking about?"

Caleb’s chest tightened. He wasn’t supposed to say it like this, but he was done keeping it a secret. "Elyra’s dying."

The words fell like a hammer, heavy and unrelenting.

His mother gasped, covering her mouth. His father, however, didn’t react immediately. He stared at Caleb as if he hadn’t heard him right.

Caleb turned to Elyra, his heart twisting. "She only has a few days left." His voice was softer now, full of the pain he had been holding in. "And all she’s ever known from us is hate."

His mother started to cry. Silent, broken sobs.

His father… just stood there.

For the first time, he looked uncertain. He looked lost.

Elyra was quiet through it all, her face unreadable. But when she finally stood up, her voice was steady.

"I don’t need your pity," she said, her eyes meeting their father’s for the first time in years. "I never did."

Their father opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

For once, he had no words.

Elyra turned to Caleb. "I’m tired," she murmured, and he understood.

Without another glance at their parents, he led her back to her room, leaving behind the shattered remains of a family that had already been broken for too long. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To Be Continued...