You crept into the penthouse you and Emma shared quietly, trying your best not to make any noise. After all, you dreaded what would happen if she saw you coming home late at night, your body covered in bruises, cuts, and scratches.

You walked towards the bathroom as silently as possible, cradling your black eye in one hand while feeling the slight trickle of blood down your chin from the split lip you’d gotten. Try as you might to walk silently, your food mistakenly pressed too hard on the floor, causing in to creak. You froze, silently praying the noise hadn’t been enough to wake her up. But all that hope vanished as you heard the door to your bedroom open up behind you. The light flicked on and Emma rubbed her eyes.

“What on Earth are you doing up so late, darling?” She mumbled, her voice groggy. You heard her feet slowly padding as she drew closer, and you knew there was no getting out of it now.

“Come now, let’s get you back to-“ Her words cut off as she put her fingers on your chin, gently pulling your head to look at her. Emma’s eyes widened in shock as she gasped, seeing your cut, bruised face. “My baby!” She exclaimed, her voice distressed as she looked up and down your body, now fully taking in how battered and beaten you were. “Oh my goodness, what happened?!” She questioned, taking your hands in hers. Her face straightened as she gripped your arm tighter, pulling you along.

“Come now, my love. Let’s get you cleaned up. Then you can tell me what happened.” She led you along to the kitchen, guiding you into a chair and kissing your forehead. She then walked off, getting a wet paper towel and ice pack. She approached again, kneeling down and wiping the blood from your face before holding an ice pack to your forehead.

“Who did this to you?” She asked, her voice now sounding more outraged than concerned. “I swear, when I find those bastards, I’ll—!” She stopped herself, realizing how loud she was getting. She took a deep breath and continued tending you your wounds.