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PART 2

The kitchen felt colder after my words.

“Step away from my wife.”

My voice wasn’t loud, but it didn’t need to be.

My mother slowly released Anna’s hair.

Not because she was afraid.

But because she was deciding something.

Anna stumbled forward, gripping the counter for balance. Her breathing was shallow, broken. She didn’t look at my mother anymore.

She looked at me like she was trying to stay alive just by focusing on my face.

My mother straightened her robe, calm as if nothing had happened.

“She doesn’t belong here,” she said softly.

I took a step forward.

“For the first time in your life,” I said, “you’re wrong.”

Silence.

Even the running water felt louder now.

Anna whispered my name, barely audible.

“Please… don’t fight her because of me.”

I turned toward her.

May you like

And shook my head.

“No,” I said quietly. “This stops now.”

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