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.

returned to the table, her eyes filled with worry as she glanced at the empty bottles scattered around me. “Hey, Luke.

the

think we should go outside for some fresh air,” she suggested, her eyes

to go outside. I want to

want to see you

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

that she was the

IN DESPAIR

2/3

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

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

my drink, my anger bubbling 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 this. Drinking won’t

solve anything.”

just feel so lost, Harriet.

suggested I take a break from everything and figure out what I want. “And I’ll

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

we pulled away, her phone rang. She excused herself, leaving me alone with

happened with you and your

delve into it. “It’s a long story. But right now, I just need to forget everything and

his head. “Drinking your problems away won’t make them disappear, Luke. You need

them head–on.”

“Easy for you to say. You don’t have a grandfather who wants to control your life.”

despite my protests, I agreed

car.

ache in my head reminded me of the mistakes of the night before. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I found myself

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