I stare at Ava's wretched, broken form in utter desolation for what feels like an eternity. My chest heaves with ragged, gulping breaths as the full weight of her ruination crushes down on me like an avalanche.
This bright-eyed, defiant little spark that was once my sole tether to hope and perseverance...now reduced to a haunted, feral wraith wasting away in the darkness. It's a cruelty that lances straight through to the shriveled, blackened core still remaining where my heart and soul should be.
"Oh Ava...little one, what have they done to you?" I force the words out in a reedy, tremulous whisper.
For several agonizing beats, she doesn't respond - simply remains huddled in on herself, shoulders shuddering faintly with each shallow inhalation. I want nothing more than to gather her up
