Chapter 27: Comfort

Abby's gaze remained fixed on the television screen, but the images blurred together as her mind spiraled into a vortex of self-criticism.She replayed the disdainful look from the woman earlier in the day, a look that had haunted her throughout her life.It was a look she'd seen in the eyes of her father's maids and servants, a look that made her feel like an outcast, a misfit.With vivid memories flooding back, Abby recalled how the bullying at school had been so relentless after Izabella left that her father had ultimately resorted to homeschooling her.Her bright red hair and stammering speech had made her an easy target for cruelty. And, worst of all, she often couldn't even form full sentences, further fueling her insecurity.As she sat there, her thoughts wrapped in a relentless cycle of self-doubt, she longed for an escape from the prison her own mind had become. The television's chatter in the background only served as a stark reminder of her isolation."You're stupid.""I'm not marrying that ugly duckling mom.""I'm never going to marry a worthless woman like you. Tell your father to break the marriage contract.""I love your cousin Abigail, I will never love you. You disgust me.""Your mother killed herself because she couldn't stand having a worthless piece of shit like you as a daughter.""You killed her—"Such cruel words. Those words had cut deeper than any physical wound.Her father had always tried to console her, telling her that they were just words and not to pay them any mind.But in the quiet solitude of her thoughts, Abby couldn't help but wonder if those words had left scars far deeper than anyone could see, scars that had imprisoned her in a world of self-loathing."Abby, are you okay?" Tony's voice snapped her out of her stupor and she blinked at him like she hadn't heard what he said."I-I'm sorry w-what?""I have spent the past couple of minutes asking if you're okay, and you had completely zoned out,"he said, maintaining a light tone while poorly concealing his deep concern."Oh... Sorry, I tend to do that a lot. I am okay," she replied, her gaze shifting downward to her lap.Such a perfect lie. She didn't know when she mastered those words so well that she didn't stutter when said it every time.It was like her comfort words. Because if she wasn't okay, who cared? And even if they cared what would they do?"I'm just tired, maybe a bath would help." She said, giving him a small smile as she got up from the couch.Tony refrained from saying anything, choosing instead to nod in understanding as he watched her make her way to the bathroom.Once she was inside, she felt a wave of relief as she undressed and stepped underneath the cold water, a temporary escape from the harsh reality of her inner demons.The cold water cascaded over Abby's body, sending a shiver down her spine. It was a stark contrast to the heat of her emotions that had been simmering beneath the surface for far too long. As she stood there, she let the frigid water wash over her, as if trying to cleanse not just her body, but her soul as well.The bathroom walls were tiled in white, reflecting the harsh fluorescent light that hung overhead. Abby's reflection stared back at her from the mirror, and for a moment, she couldn't bear to meet her own eyes. The mirror held a history of self-doubt and inner torment that she couldn't escape.She reached for the soap, lathering it up in her hands, and began to wash away the day's troubles. Each motion felt deliberate, as if she were scrubbing away the memories and the hurt that clung to her skin.As the water continued to pour, Abby allowed herself to get lost in the sensation of the moment. The sound of the rushing water was a soothing backdrop, drowning out the harsh echoes of her past. It was a brief respite from the constant barrage of negative thoughts that plagued her.As Abby stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in her freshly laundered pajamas, she was surprised to find Remo sitting on the couch instead of Tony. Her heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but fidget with the hem of her top."R-Remo—-" she called out, her voice wavering with uncertainty.Remo got up from the couch and approached her with a smirk,"Come here—-" he beckoned gently, opening his arms wide.Abby hesitated for a moment, the scars of her past still etched deeply into her psyche. But something in Remo's demeanor, his comforting presence, urged her forward. She took tentative steps until she was enveloped in his embrace, the warmth of his arms offering a stark contrast to the icy grip of her insecurities.In that moment, as she rested her head against his chest, she felt a sense of solace she hadn't experienced in a long time. It was as if Remo's presence alone was a soothing balm to her wounded soul.She closed her eyes, allowing herself to let go, if only for a while, of the burdens that had weighed her down for so long.As they stood there in the dimly lit room, Abby found herself, for the first time in a long time, not alone in her battle against her inner demons.And in that moment, she began to believe that maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to heal the scars of her past and embrace a brighter future.