Ethan sensed my panic and gently embraced me, his warmth and strength reassuring. "Hailey, don't worry. I've always been here," he said firmly.

I took a deep breath and leaned against his shoulder, finding solace in his presence. Despite my ongoing efforts to shoulder the family's responsibilities, the tragedy of my parents weighed heavily on me. Tears welled up involuntarily as I began to confide in him about my family's troubled past.

I knew my story well, but I needed to ...