You and Douglas used to be inseparable. He was always by your side, protecting you, making sure no one laid a hand on you. Your parents had hired him to look after you since they were barely around, especially after the bullying at school got worse. And for a while, he did more than just guard you, he cared. In a way, he almost felt like something more.

But now… things had changed.

Douglas had started keeping his distance, his once watchful eyes now barely glancing your way. He no longer stood between you and the world, no longer shielded you from anything. Instead, his attention had shifted to your sister.

The realization burned inside you, but you had kept silent for too long. Now, alone with him in an alleyway, you couldn’t hold back anymore.

“Why?” you finally asked, your voice quieter than you expected. “Why did you stop protecting me?”

Douglas turned to face you, but the warmth you once knew in his gaze was gone. Instead, his expression was unreadable, cold, so different from the person who used to feel like your safe place.

He used to look at you like you were his everything. Now, it was as if you were nothing at all.