By the time Lucy got home
It was already getting dark.
She stood at the door for a second.
Then pushed it open.
"I'm back," she said.
Her mother was sitting on the couch, going through some folded clothes.
"Welcome," she replied, looking up. "You're late again."
Lucy forced a small smile.
"Work."
Ruben was stretched out on the other side of the couch.
He glanced at her immediately.
"You look worse than yesterday," he said.
Lucy dropped her bag near the chair.
"I'm fine."
"You keep saying that," he replied.
She ignored him and walked further in.
Her father was seated nearby, flipping through an old newspaper.
He didn't say much these days.
Not since he lost his job.
"Good evening, Dad," Lucy said.
He nodded.
"How was work?"
Lucy paused.
Just for a second.
"Fine," she said.
Her mother watched her closely.
"Come and eat first," she said, standing up.
Lucy sat at the table quietly.
Her mother brought the food over—not rushed, just normal.
Lucy picked up her spoon.
But didn't eat.
Her mother noticed.
"Lucy."
She looked up.
"Eat your food."
"I'm eating."
"You're moving it around."
Ruben let out a small laugh. "She got caught."
Lucy shot him a look.
"Ruben," her mother warned lightly.
He raised his hands. "I didn't say anything."
Lucy forced herself to take a bite.
The room went quiet for a moment.
Then Ruben spoke again.
"Something is wrong."
Lucy sighed.
"Can you not start?"
"I'm serious," he said, sitting up.
"You've been acting strange."
Her father looked up slightly.
Lucy felt all their eyes on her.
"I said I'm fine," she replied, a little sharper this time.
Silence.
Her mother softened her voice.
"If something is bothering you, you can tell us."
Lucy looked at them.
Her family.
And for a moment
She almost spoke.
But then
Three days.
She looked down quickly.
"I'm just tired."
No one pushed further.
Later that night
Lucy stepped outside.
The air was quiet.
Still.
She sat down slowly.
Her thoughts loud again.
The door opened.
Ruben came out.
"I knew you'd be here," he said.
He sat beside her.
"You're not okay," he said.
Lucy didn't argue this time.
"…Work is not fine," she said quietly.
Ruben turned to her.
"What happened?"
"They think I did something," she said.
His expression changed immediately.
"What do you mean?"
Lucy shook her head.
"I'll handle it."
"That doesn't sound like something you handle alone."
She gave a small, tired smile.
"I'll try."
Ruben watched her.
Then said quietly
"Just be careful."
Lucy nodded.
Because now
She knew one thing for sure.
If she didn't fix this
It wouldn't stop with her.