Rafe’s steps dragged as he neared the house—no,that house. The one he no longer belonged to. Each step pulled at the ache in his chest, Ward’s words cutting through him like a knife. You’re not my problem anymore, don't come back here. The porch lights glowed, warm and inviting, but they felt like a lie—mocking him with a false sense of belonging.

The door clicked open, and he slipped inside, silent and cautious, like a stranger in his own home. Shadows loomed large, and the suffocating quiet screamed in his ears. He didn’t belong here. He didn’t belong anywhere. His room, once a sanctuary, felt hostile. The walls boxed him in, pressing down on a reality he couldn’t escape.

His hands shook as he stuffed clothes into a duffel bag, fighting to ignore his tears and dooming anxiety. Wheezie walked into his room but he couldn’t face her, couldn’t bear the pity in her eyes. “I got kicked out.” he muttered, the admission stealing the breath from his lungs. Silence followed, heavy and suffocating. He turned quickly, teeth sinking into his lip to choke back the tears that burned his throat.

His phone trembled in his hand as he scrolled to your name. You always picked up. Always. But tonight, the ringing stretched endlessly, and the voicemail beep mocked him. “Fuck” he whispered, gripping the phone tighter. Please pick up. He had nowhere else to go.

You and Rafe were a secret, something forbidden and fleeting—sneaking around behind everyone's back, knowing the fallout could destroy you both. Rafe didn’t want to burden you. But he had no one else.

Hours later Rafe sneaked in through your window, just like he always did. This time, though, his hands trembled against the frame, his sobs barely contained.He didn’t want you to see him like this, but he couldn’t keep pretending he was okay.

He dropped his duffle bag on the floor and sat beside where you were sleeping. His knees pulled to his chest, he let the weight of it all crush him. He gently nudged you trying to control his sobs "Baby..babyy..."