I spent the next few hours seething in rage. I wanted to scream. I wanted to break shit. I wanted to ruin his goddamn house.

But all I could do was sit. I sat on the floor, by the bed, motionless. I curled up in a ball and stared at my feet. It’s all I could do. It’s all I can do. I can’t do anything. I’m trapped.

The room grows darker as the sun disappears behind the surrounding buildings. I wait in my spot as the light dims until I’m just one the many shadow occupying this empty bedroom.

There’s a click. Light slowly eats away my blanket of black. My eyes sting and my heart aches. My torture starts again. It all comes with that sound. “Charlie?”

His shadow looms over me. “Charlie, I’m really sorry about earlier. Look, I want to make it up to you.” I don’t move an inch. “I want to take you to dinner. Please, let me do something for you.” His footsteps are getting closer. I see his feet stop in front me. He crouches down and places a hand on my shoulder. “Charlie, look at me.” He pushes gently and I have no strength to stop him. I look up and his eyes are sad. His hand moves up to my cheek and holds my face.

He smiles at me and I can’t help but feel calmer - which only serves to piss me off more. “Come on, let’s get you some fancy food. Fancier than McDonald’s.” He stands up and reaches a hand down to me. I stare up at him for a moment and grab his arm to pull myself up. He smiles even bigger as I come to standing. “I’m going to show you a great time. I promise” I glare at him.

I walk past him and move into the hallway. I head to the front door trying to ignore the excited prance of his steps down the stairs. “You’re not going to regret this!” He starts punching in the code on the panel by the door.

“I already do.” He rolls his eyes and opens the front door, gesturing for me to go first. I sigh and step out into the crisp night.

I bound down the steps almost as slowly as I can. Luke races down past me and rushes to the passenger side door of his car. He opens it up and does a little bow. “Your chariot awaits.”

I squint in confusion and shake my head. “What?”

“It’s a… Nevermind. Just hop in.” He somehow keeps his stupid smile on his face the whole time. I close my eyes to take a moment for myself before climbing into the car. Luke shuts it and jogs around the front and gets in on the other side. He starts the car and pulls out with a huge grin. “You’re going to love this place. It usually takes people months to get in but they know me so we’ll get a table no problem.” He drones on about the restaurant but I tune out instantly.

I shut my eyes and lean back. Before I know it. The car is stopped and the engine is shut off. I open my eyes up and look out the window. Outside is a line of bushes in pots in front of the windows of a clearly five-star joint. People in suits and dresses are sipping from wine glasses and eating on pristine white table cloths. “Here we are! You’re going to love the food, Charlie. Hurry up! Let’s go!” Luke gets out and throws his keys to the valet who starts to walk towards the car. Luke smiles at me and waves me to get out. I hang my head and open the door.

Walking in to the restaurant, Luke is instantly greeted by the host. “Mr. Ito, pleasure to see you as always. Ah, and you have a friend! Table for two I presume.”

“Yes please, Oliver. Thank you, my good man.” The host nods and guides the two of us to a half-table-half-booth. Luke pulls the chair out for me and slides into the cushioned seat across from it.

“You two enjoy.”