In the Enemy’s arms

Chapter 6

AMY’s POV

As the cab navigated through the evening traffic, i gazed out the window, lost in thought. My phone buzzed, making me sigh sadly, recognizing the caller ID.

"Steph", I answering the call.

"Amy, oh my god, I'm so sorry about Landon," Steph's voice crackled through the line, laced with emotion.

“Hmm, Steph …, ” I couldn’t find the right words to say.

"I can only imagine what you’re going through right now. I feel terrible that I can’t be there with you right now. Just hang on, okay? Everything will be fine.” She encouraged but I doubted it.

“Okay” I whispered, not having any words to say

“I've been thinking about you nonstop," Steph said. "I call you a while back, but you wouldn’t talk to me, and with the way you hung up on me, I felt you needed space "

My mind raced, trying to recall the call Steph mentioned. But my memory drew a blank.

"Steph, I... I don't remember getting that call," i admitted.

There was a brief pause on the other end. "That's weird. I could've sworn you picked up . Never mind, it's not important now. How are you really doing?" Steph pressed.

I brushed off the confusion. "I'm managing. Still trying to process everything."

The conversation flowed easily after that, with Steph sharing some words of encouragement and also promising to take time off work so she could visit.

As we wrapped up the call, i felt a pang of gratitude for my friend's concern.

"Thanks for checking in, Steph. Means a lot."

"Anytime, Amy. Take care of yourself,okay? If you can’t cope, book the next flight, I’ll take good care of you, give you enough cuddles until you’re okay" Steph replied and I smiled sadly, “I’ll keep that in mind”

“Okay dear, I have to go now, I’m sorry. I’m at work right now and you know how my boss is.”

“It’s fine. Bye, Steph.” The call ended and I sighed deeply.

My only friend had to travel to another country few months back for work, and now… Landon’s gone, to another world entirely.

I stood at my apartment's doorstep, and a crushing sadness washed over me. The hospital had felt like a nightmare, but now, reality hit me like a wave.

As I stepped inside, memories flooded every corner of our cozy haven. Soft sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Landon and I had made this place our own after our parents' passing. Our three-bedroom apartment was filled with laughter, inside jokes, and countless memories.

The living room was a space for our evening chats, it now felt empty. The couch, where we'd binge-watch our favorite shows, made my heart clench without Landon's presence. The bookshelf, filled with our favorite novels, stood as a reminder of our shared love for reading.

How was I going to survive in this house knowing that he would not be around to throw pillows at my face in the morning, disturb me when I’m making breakfast or steal my food when I’m not looking.

Invisible arrows pierced my heart as I approached Landon's room. The open door revealed Kate, fast asleep, clinging to his pillow.

I sank to the floor, quietly, not wanting to disturb Kate's grief-filled slumber.

Tears streamed down my face as memories overwhelmed me: Landon's infectious laughter, his bright smile, our late-night conversations.

**FLASHBACK

I snuck into Landon's room, his new hoodie seemed like the perfect match for my short skirt. He was out playing football with friends, and I knew I had to act fast.

"Ah-ha! Found it!" I kissed the hoodie, triumphant.

Just then, Landon's voice startled me, "Hey, sis, I'm home!"

Panic set in. I hastily folded the hoodie into a paper bag, trying to play it cool.

"Hi, y... you're back early," I stuttered, wiping sweat from my forehead.

Landon's eyes narrowed. "What are you doing in my room?"

"I wanted to help you arrange your room," I said, attempting to escape.

He chuckled, blocking my path. "Since when do you help me clean?"

I shrugged. "I just wanted to do something nice."

Landon's smirk grew. "What's in the bag?" He tried to reach for it, “Don’t touch me with those sweaty hands” I pretended to be disgusted.

"Come on, sis, I know you're hiding something."

Desperate, I blurted, "They're... my underwear!"

Landon raised an eyebrow. "Show me."

My eyes widened. "Why would I show you my underwear? Are you crazy?"

He simply grinned. "I've known you all your life, baby girl. I know when you're lying."

In a flash, he snatched the paper bag, revealing the hoodie.

"Ah-ha! You little thief!" Landon exclaimed, pouncing on me with pillows.

Our laughter-filled battle ensued, with me screaming for help and him teasing, "You sneaky thief! You won't go scot-free this time!"

When he finally relented, I counterattacked, tickling and playfully hitting him.

"How dare you treat your elder sister like that!" I laughed.

Landon chuckled, "You're not my older sister!"

“But I’m older than you!” I shouted

"By one minute!" He shouted back, and I explored his tickle spot.

***