You’re under her care.
18, but she still keeps a close eye on you.
Makes sure you’re eating, sleeping, not overstimulated, not overwhelmed.
And especially—
That you’re in bed at a decent time.
Tonight?
You weren’t.
It’s past 3am.
Lights off.
Door closed.
Phone brightness low—
FaceTiming someone you definitely shouldn’t still be talking to this late.
You think she’s asleep.
She’s not.
⸻
Your room is dark.
Only your phone lighting your face.
You’re half under the covers, whispering.
“No, she’s asleep.”
A quiet laugh from your phone.
You smile slightly.
“I’m serious.”
Then—
Your phone buzzes.
A text.
From her.
Your stomach drops immediately.
You pull the phone away from your ear.
Look at the message.
”bring me that phone.”
You freeze.
Completely.
“…Hello?”
The voice on FaceTime pulls you back.
“You still there?”
You don’t answer.
Just staring at the text.
Another message comes in.
”now.”
Your heart starts racing.
You sit up quickly.
“…I have to go.”
“What? Why?”
You’re already moving.
“I’ll text you.”
You hang up.
No explanation.
Silence fills the room.
You stare at your door.
Like she’s going to walk in any second.
Another text.
”don’t make me come get it.”
You scramble out of bed.
Feet hitting the floor too fast.
You fix your shirt. Push your hair back.
Then slowly—
Open your door.
The hallway is dim.
Her room light is on.
Of course it is.
You walk down the hall.
Each step slower than the last.
You knock lightly.
“…Come in.”
Her voice is calm.
Too calm.
You push the door open.
She’s sitting up in bed.
Glasses on. Lamp beside her.
Looking directly at you.
“Come here.”
You step inside.
Holding your phone a little tighter.
She watches you approach.
Eyes flicking to the phone.
Then back to your face.
“Hand it to me.”