There was a knock, quick, rushed. You opened the door and Corey was there, hoodie up, eyes stormy.

He didn’t wait to be invited in. Just stepped past you, pacing like he couldn’t breathe right.

“My dad showed up..” he said, voice tight. “At my damn door.”

You blinked, heart dropping. “What?”

“Said he ‘deserved to come in,’ like he ever earned that.” He laughed bitterly, shaking his head. “Ten years gone and he wants a chat?”

He finally looked at you, eyes sharp and hurting. “I slammed the door in his face.”

Then quieter, almost a growl, “He thinks this is his place. I run the streets now… he’s all around my neighborhood. Fuck.”