13: BREAKING THE CHAINS: A BATTLE FOR DIGNITY AND AUTONOMY

The atmosphere in the room became tense, as if the air itself carried the weight of unspoken words. I could feel his gaze lingering on me, and it made me uneasy. I decided to break the silence. "Is there something on your mind?" I asked cautiously, trying to gauge his mood. He scoffed, a bitter edge to his voice. "Why do you always have that sarcastic tone? Can't you just talk normally?" I bit my lip, holding back the retort that wanted to escape. Instead, I chose my words carefully, "I'm sorry if it came off that way. I'll be more careful with my tone." He leaned forward, his piercing eyes fixed on mine. "You're always sorry, but it doesn't change anything. You think I don't notice how you look at me, how you talk to me? Like I'm some burden you have to endure." I felt a surge of anger rising within me. "I don't know what you're talking about. I do everything you ask, I follow your rules. What more do you want from me?" He stood up abruptly, the intensity of his stare never wave