Chapter 2: The Truth Under the Sleeve
Michael waited until the hallway was empty.
"Emma."
She turned around slowly.
"I need you to trust me."
She immediately shook her head.
"I can't."
"Why?"
Her eyes filled with tears.
"Because people always say they will help... until helping becomes inconvenient."
Those words stayed in his mind.
Slowly, he reached toward her sleeve.
Emma stepped back.
"No."
But Michael stopped.
"I won't force you."
He looked at her.
"But I need you to understand something."
"What?"
"Your pain is not something you have to hide."
Silence filled the hallway.
After a long moment, Emma finally allowed him to lift the sleeve.
The moment he saw her arm, his expression changed.
Dark bruises covered her skin.
Old ones.
New ones.
Proof of repeated abuse.
Michael felt anger rise inside him.
But he controlled it.
"Who did this?"
Emma immediately pulled her sleeve down.
"I told you. Don't get involved."
"Emma."
"Please!"
Her voice cracked.
"If he finds out you know..."
Michael froze.
"He?"
Emma realized she had said too much.
Fear returned to her eyes.
Michael lowered his voice.
"Who is he?"
But before she could answer, a sound came from behind them.
May you like
Footsteps.
Someone was listening.
