Chapter 12

Bella

"You know, Bella, you're going to have to talk to me eventually," Nelly, my close friend, and housemate, persisted, but I continued to ignore her, my focus fixed on the empty canvas before me.

"I've already told you, Nelly, I'm fine. There's no need for you to keep bothering me with the same question," I replied, hoping she would finally leave me alone and allow me to concentrate on my work.

Despite my repeated assurances that nothing was wrong, Nelly hadn't stopped probing into my state of mind. For the past thirty minutes, she had persistently questioned me, asserting confidently that I was lying to her.

"Well, excuse me for caring about my friend and wanting her to open up. You've been staring at that empty canvas for over two hours now, and it's not normal. I've noticed you've been quieter since you got back home yesterday, and I'm genuinely concerned. I want to understand w