Page 79 of When the Storm Breaks

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I step up to the door and knock, light at first.

“Calla…” My voice is even. Controlled. “You okay?”

Nothing. No movement. No breath. Like she vanished.

My pulse kicks up. I knock again, firmer this time, forcing my tone to stay casual.

“You don’t have to say anything, but just…” I pause, jaw tight.Say something, Calla.“I need to know you’re all right.”

Almost immediately, her small, weak voice filters through the door.

“I’m fine.”

It’s a lie. We both know it. She doesn’t even sound like the woman who walked into my living room five minutes ago.

I press my palms into the door frame, leaning in until my forehead rests against the wood.

“Calla, let me in.”

A pause. A long one. Long enough I start to think she won’t answer at all.

Then, finally—so fragile I barely hear it:

“I’m fine, Haiyden.”

I bristle but swallow the snap rising in my throat. She’s already vulnerable. Pushing won’t help.

“No,” I say, softer now. “You’re not.”

A heavy sigh drags from me as I roll my forehead against the door, frustration creeping in.Why does she have to make everything so damn hard?

I soften my tone again. “I’m not going to judge you. Some asshole overserved you. This isn’t your fault.Just… let me help.”

Silence.

This could go on forever. But she needs a shower. Food. Rest.

She needs someone to take care of her.

I’m about to say something else when I hear the soft click of the lock. I hadn’t even realized itwaslocked.

The thought of her—sick, maybe passed out, alone behind a locked door because I over-poured—hits harder than I expect.

“Can I come in?”

Radio silence.

I hesitate. Just for a second.

“Okay… I’m coming in.”

I step forward slowly, unsure of what I’ll find. The door creaks open, inch by inch.

And everything inside me stills.

Calla’s curled up on the bathroom floor, knees to her chest, arms wrapped tight. Her cheek rests on her knees, head turned, eyes locked on mine. Glossy. Distant.

She slowly lifts her head and leans back against the wall, gaze drifting to the ceiling like she can’t bear to look at me.

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