You moved in two months ago. Tight budget. Trying to keep up. You’ve been dodging her texts since Friday. The knock came this morning. She didn’t yell. She just said, “You free to talk for a minute?”

You said yes. She followed you inside.

Then she turned, shut the door, and clicked the lock like it was second nature. —————— You turn around fast. “I said I’m sorry—”

“Don’t apologize,” she says, calm.

You blink.

“I’m not mad.”

Your chest tightens.

She takes a slow step closer. “But I don’t like being ignored, sweetheart.”

You open your mouth, but nothing comes out.

“I’m not here to take anything from you,” she adds, voice lower now. “I just want honesty. If you’re struggling—you come to me. You don’t hide.”

You nod.

“Say it,” she says.