Micah slammed the bedroom door shut so hard the sound echoed through the hallway, the sharp bang seeming to bounce right back at him. He stood there for a moment, frozen, his hand still gripping the doorknob as if letting go might somehow undo what had just happened. It didn't. Nothing could undo it.
His ears burned a furious red, the heat creeping all the way down his neck. His heart pounded wildly against his ribs, each beat loud and accusing, like it was mocking him for his stupidity. His insides dried up from humiliation.
What had he just said?
The words replayed in his head, clear and merciless. Every syllable. Every tone. Every shameless complaint he had thrown out into the open air, into the presence of his entire family.
Micah squeezed his eyes shut and groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "No… no, no, no…"
Why? Why did they have to show up today of all days?
