Page 23 of A Twisted Gift

Happiness.I’m not sure if that’s something I’ve ever truly felt. Sure, there were fleeting moments of it in my childhood, but I was always surrounded by reminders of my harsh reality.

But that could change now.Everythingcould change now.

The room feels like it’s spinning. No one has ever done anything like this for me. It feels wrong. Misplaced. Like all of this thoughtfulness and care and effort should be pointed at someone else.

I find myself sitting on the bed, not entirely sure how I got here. Something bumps into my thigh, and I realize it’s a gift box, wrapped up in golden ribbon. I untie it and lift the lid, revealing an assortment of candy canes, chocolate, and gummies.

My stash.This is what’s currently in the box I hide in the back of one of my drawers. Erik must’ve found it.

“You went through my room,” I say. “All… all of it.”

“I did.”

“Is that normal?”

“No.”

“But you did it anyway.”

He nods. “I wanted to create a space you’d be comfortable in.”

“Comfortable,” I mumble.

“So if you don’t like anything in here, we can change it. Same with any of your clothes. I got ones that were similar to the ones you had, but if you want something else, just say the word.”

I don’t react, staring at the box. It’s overflowing with candy, but the sight of it doesn’t bring me joy. For my entire life, I’ve found safety in hiding—and in hiding my things. It’s exhausting, an ever-present anxiety that’s always simmering. And now my secrets have been uncovered, almost flaunted, in front of me.

Erik grimaces. “I crossed a line, didn’t I?”

“I… I don’t know.”

Fear creeps up my throat in a similar way to when I get in trouble. But Erik found my books and my stash of candies, and he doesn’t seem upset. Instead, he bought me more. And, I realize, I think he’ll get me all the books and sweets I ask for.

But still.

“Will you always be going through my things?”

“What? No. Fu—shi—god.” He rubs at his face. “No, Raina. It was a one-time thing. I just needed to get to know what you liked so I could try to build you a room here. I… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t’ve done it in the first place. And I swear on my life, I won’t do it again.”

As my grip tightens on the box, I try to piece everything together in my mind. Do I believe him? He never lied to mewhen we were younger—at least, not that I know of. But he went through everything.Everything.

“Did you read my journal?” I ask.

“No. Even if I’d found it, I wouldn’t have. I know I invaded your privacy, but that’s further than I’d ever take it, I promise.”

Invaded your privacy.That’s exactly how I feel, although I didn’t think to put those words to it.

“I want to believe you.” I pick up a candy cane, twirling it and watching the stripes spin. “But I…”

“What?”

“I don’t want to have to hide anymore,” I whisper, and when I look up at him, my vision is blurry with tears. “I’m so tired of hiding, Erik. But…”

I need to be able to.

There’s no way I can voice that thought. It’s too much, too vulnerable after feeling like I’ve been stripped bare.

Erik is in front of me in an instant, his knees hitting the blue rug he must’ve laid out by himself. “I know, Raina. I know, and I’m so sorry. If I could take it back, I would.”

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