The day greeted her with the soft hum of rain and the sound of droplets striking the windowsill. She closed her eyes for a moment, listening to the calming rhythm. She had no idea what time it was—but today, it didn’t matter.

  She couldn’t remember the last time she’d woken up truly rested. When her body felt loose, unguarded, and her mind wasn’t bracing for everything to collapse.

  With an unfamiliar calm, she replayed what remained of the dream. The atmosphere had been heavy—yes—but the ending… so different. Light. Gentle. Just thinking about the way he spoke to her, the way he held her, made the corners of her mouth lift on their own.

  She only met him in her dreams. And yet his promise—that she would never be alone again—pressed something warm into the shattered pieces of her cold heart, illuminating corners of her soul she’d long believed unreachable. She felt it almost physically.

  And most importantly—he was unmistakably a man. And somehow his touch felt like relief, not torment.

  She didn’t understand why her PTSD had suddenly retreated into the background. She didn’t know why she had fallen out of her usual patterns. But in light of what she had learned yesterday—and what she would likely learn next—she had no intention of fighting it.

  It was only a dream.

  Reality would come for her soon enough.

  She smiled at her reflection while brushing her hair. Felt almost normal checking the fridge. For the first time in ages, she felt… lighter. As if she’d set something down.

  The feeling didn’t last.

  Passing the living room, she noticed Julia asleep on the couch. She watched her for a long moment. Still couldn’t believe her mother had hidden something so important. But she pushed the thought aside.

  Today will be a good day, she whispered to herself—and decided to believe it.

  She got dressed and ran out for groceries. She planned to have a serious conversation with her mother and hoped that good food and a warm atmosphere would make it easier.

  After shopping, she spent hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. When everything was nearly ready and the roast was in the oven, she checked her emails—flagged the important ones—then heard movement in the hallway.

  “That smells so good I started drooling in my sleep,” her mother said.

  Amelia smiled. Briefly.

  By the time Julia came out of the bathroom, the table was set and the pumpkin soup served.

  “Is there an occasion,” Julia asked, “or did you suddenly discover a passion for cooking?”

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  “Maybe a little of both,” Amelia said, smiling uncertainly.

  Her mother’s light mood, combined with her tired posture, made Amelia hesitate—but only for a moment. Jacek had been one of the closest people in her life. The way both Julia and Maya avoided his name—or outright lied, claiming he was fine—fed her imagination far too much.

  She waited until nearly the end of dinner.

  “Mom…” She stared at the crumbs on her dessert plate. “I heard something recently. Something troubling.”

  Julia smiled, unaware of the gravity.

  “What kind of thing?”

  “Mom, please.” Amelia swallowed. “What happened to Jacek?”

  Julia froze.

  “I know you’ve been taking care of him,” Amelia continued, forcing her voice to stay steady. “Why? What happened?”

  “I…” Julia swallowed hard. “Jacek had an accident. His spinal cord was severed in the lumbar region. He can’t walk.”

  The air seemed to leave Amelia’s lungs. Her thoughts scattered, impossible to gather.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “It was the day after you left. People said awful things…”

  “What things?” Amelia wiped her eyes.

  “You don’t want to know. It doesn’t matter—and it isn’t true.”

  After a pause, Amelia asked, “How did the accident happen?”

  Julia stiffened.

  “Mom…”

  “He drank,” Julia said finally. “A lot. Then he got into the car.”

  “That’s nonsense. He would never do that.”

  “He did. And he ran into Mark Kozak.”

  The name hit Amelia like a blow. Everything clicked.

  “They were racing,” Julia went on. “Jacek overtook him and got out of the car. Marek couldn’t stop in time. He swerved, but still hit him. Then he broke through the barriers and drove into the lake.”

  “He died,” Amelia whispered.

  “He died.”

  “And this happened right after I left?”

  “The next day.”

  Darkness crept into Amelia’s vision. Julia didn’t need to say anything more. Amelia understood where the rumors came from.

  “It was a long time ago,” Julia said gently. “There’s no point reopening it.”

  “There’s no point,” Amelia echoed automatically.

  Julia didn’t know the reason for Amelia’s collapse. She couldn’t know that this entire tragedy had unfolded because of her. No—because of trust misplaced. She had trusted Maya. Trusted that the secret was safe.

  “I need some air,” Amelia said suddenly, standing.

  Julia jumped up, knocking over a chair and shattering a vase.

  “It’s not your fault!” she cried. “It had nothing to do with you! Jacek told me it was just a stupid stunt!”

  “Mom,” Amelia said calmly. “Don’t be afraid. I just need some air. I’ll be back soon. I have my phone.”

  “But—”

  “Mom.” Amelia stepped closer, pressed her forehead to Julia’s. “Really. I’m okay.”

  Julia wasn’t convinced. She watched the door close behind her daughter, then stood at the window long after Amelia disappeared around the corner.

  Only one thing comforted her: Amelia had left on foot. The car keys were still by the door.

  Then a new thought struck her.

  She grabbed her phone.

  “Jack,” she said, her voice trembling. “She knows.”