His words hit harder than the grip on my arm. I lowered my eyes, silent. I’d heard such things before… but coming from him—it shattered me.

“Just wait and watch. I’ll make your life worse than what you’ve done to mine.”

He finally let go, pushing me back slightly, then left the room.

I stood there frozen, too ashamed to look at the frame again. I had tried… and still ruined something that could never be replaced.

---

I tossed and turned on the couch, ...