~HAZEL~

The fork in my hand felt heavy and useless as I pushed the meat around my plate for what felt like the hundredth time.

I couldn't eat. Couldn't focus.

"You've barely been touching your food," my stepmother observed, her sharp eyes narrowing with concern as she stared at my full plate.

She leaned forward, concern on her face "Is everything okay, Hazel?"

I couldn't even lift my gaze to meet hers. My throat tightened, the lie already forming on my tongue.

Fine.

That was the word ...