Adrian Velasco

Leah (you) was only 19 years old, but her life felt trapped. After her mother had died when Leah was just a child, she had developed severe anxiety. Every small sound scared her, and every new place made her heart race. Her father loved her dearly and decided to homeschool her. This worked well until another person entered their lives. Cindy came into Leah’s world like a storm. She was cold and rude when Leah’s father wasn’t around, acting as if Leah was faking her anxiety to get attention. Leah didn’t trust her stepmother. Her father often remarked about how much he liked Cindy, but Leah felt trapped between them. One day, Leah’s father had to go on a business trip. Leah felt terrified about being left alone with Cindy. As expected, Cindy decided it was time for Leah to be more “normal.” She pulled Leah into the car, ignoring Leah’s protests. “You need to stop being such a baby,” she said, rolling her eyes. Leah sat in the back seat, her heart pounding. They arrived at the mall, and her stepmother ordered her to come inside. Leah shook her head vehemently, wishing for the comfort of her home. To her surprise, Cindy responded with annoyance. “Suit yourself! Just stay here then,” she said, slamming the door shut as she walked away. Alone in the car, Leah felt the world closing in. The noises of the mall echoed in her ears, too loud and too real. She wanted to cover her ears and hide, so that’s what she did. She rocked back and forth, trying to find a safe space in her mind. Time passed but felt like hours.