The Love From Vengeance

367: DROWNING IN DESPAIR

LUKE’S POV

Just when Harriet finished consoling me about the argument with my grandfather, she suggested we go to the bar Anger still simmered within me, but I agreed, needing an outlet for my frustration. We made our way to the nearest bar, the neon lights casting an eerie glow on the sidewalk.

Upon entering the establishment, I wasted no time ordering a variety of bottles. I needed something to numb the pain and drown out the echoes of my grandfather’s harsh words.

Harriet sat quietly beside me, watching as I downed one drink after another. I could feel her concerned gaze on me, but I ignored it, drowning myself further in the alcohol’s haze.

Suddenly, she excused herself, saying she would be back. I barely acknowledged her departure; I was too consumed by my own thoughts to care.

ast in my o

I continued drinking, turmoil. I felt a presence beside me. It was Daniel and Bryan, and they

were just staring at me.

“Luke, what’s going on? Why are you drinking so much?” Daniel’s voice cut through the fog of my mind.

I shrugged, unwilling to share the pain that gnawed at my heart. “I just need to forget about some things,” I mumbled, taking another swig from the bottle.

Bryan frowned, concern etched on his face. “You know drinking won’t solve anything, Luke. You need to

talk to us.”

But I remained stubbornly silent, refusing to let them see the turmoil raging inside me. Instead, I drowned myself in another drink, hoping to numb the ache that pulsed through my veins.

The weight of my argument with my grandfather pressed down on me, crushing me beneath its suffocating grip. I drank to numb the pain, but with each sip, it only seemed to grow stronger.

Daniel and Bryan exchanged concerned glances, but I waved them off, not wanting to burden them with my troubles. Deep down, though, I longed for someone to understand, to see the hurt behind my facade.

empty bottles scattered around me. “Hey, Luke. Can I talk to you for a minute?”

slightly blurred from the alcohol. “What is it, Harriet? My words

outside for some fresh air,”

my head stubbornly. “I don’t want to go outside. I want to stay here and drink,” I said,

see you like this.

but remained silent. They didn’t know Harriet, but

a feeling that she was the only one who could calm me

IN DESPAIR

2/3

a heavy sigh, I got up, stumbling a little. Harriet grabbed my arm to steady me, and we made our way outside. The cool night air hit me, clearing

know you’re upset about what happened with your grandfather,” she said

up. “He has no right to control my life like this,” I muttered.

her hand resting on my shoulder. “But you can’t let him get to you like

solve anything.”

so lost, Harriet. I don’t

I take a break from everything and figure out what I want. “And I’ll be right here by your side, supporting you,” she promised.

and I pulled her into a hug. “Thank you, Harriet. I don’t know what I would

as we pulled away, her phone rang. She excused herself, leaving me alone with my thoughts. My friends

what happened with you and your grandpa?” Daniel

right now, I just need to forget

problems away won’t make them disappear,

them head–on.”

laughed bitterly. “Easy for you to say. You don’t have a

than I should. She suggested we go home, and despite my protests, I agreed to finish our drinks. We drove

car.

head reminded me of the mistakes of the night before. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I found myself sitting in the passenger seat of the car parked in

uncoordinated, and the faint memories of last night’s alcohol–fueled escapade flooded back to me. I struggled to push myself upright,