Bitter Relief

Stella

Conrad and I fall silent as Milton and Mr. Mercer suddenly walk into the room, Conrad’s earlier remarks still ringing in my ears.

But as my eyes flick from Milton, whose eyes are red-rimmed and swollen, to Mr. Mercer, whose face is somber, I suddenly find myself forgetting all about my argument with Conrad.

“Milton, are you okay?” I ask, taking a step forward.

He looks up, his eyes full of