Eternally Dark

chapter 3: A war within

“Thank you,” I whispered, I didn’t know why I’d said it. He was the reason they'd been there in the first place. My thanks seemed to surprise him too, as he let his stare falter before disappearing. He looked down at his hands,

“Don’t thank me for that,” He sounded sad now, and I could tell he’d lost his smile. Not thinking I reached out and put my hand on his shoulder, immediately his head shot up and I instinctively retracted my hand. That seemed to hurt him even more, only seeing the look on his face I placed my hand back. He reached up and covered my hand with his own,

“No,” He whispered “you were right to run from me, don’t change that instinct,” The hurt expression that covered his face deepened. He gently grabbed my hand which still sat on his shoulder and placed it down next to me.

“I’m sorry I pulled you into this,” He said, moving to stand. No matter how much I wanted to run and hate him, some part of me felt bad for him and wanted him to stay. That part won, taking over and involuntarily I said,

“Wait,” He looked back at me, “Stay? I don’t like the dark,” Technically that wasn’t true, it wasn’t the dark that scared me but the uncertainty of what lurked within it, but I kept that part to myself.

“Please,” I begged. He paused for a moment then shook his head slowly,

“I’m sorry,” He said, turned back around and walked out locking the wooden door behind him. Without another in the room with me, the darkness creeped in. My heart raced and tears filled my eyes spilling over, leaving wet streaks down my face. I curled into a ball holding my knees close, my tears turning to silent sobs. It seemed like hours passed before finally I managed to fall asleep, shivering and cold.