Isolation

Mistaken

Knock Knock. It takes a few seconds before Silas responds, “Come in, Rayven.” The room is dimly lit but I can see well enough to make my way to the other side of his bed. I climb in thinking about how routine this has become for us after 5 years. When I would have nightmares I discovered that when he was near me they would go away. So, sometimes I’d come to his room to get some sleep. At the same time discovering that Silas sleeps naked and refused to put on clothes because it’s his room and he can do whatever he pleases in here. At least that’s what he would tell me, so I brought my own blanket and had to learn to ignore it if I wanted to sleep. I crawl up beside him and he wraps his arms around me taking a deep breath.

Before I even crack my eyes open my body reacts, reaching out and connecting with flesh. I push the intruder against the nearest wall and away from Rayven. He starts to gasp for air as my hand tightens around his neck. “Why the hell are you in my room Jasper?” Rayven sat up in my bed wrapped like a cacoon in her blanket, “Silas, let him go, he can’t breathe.” I loosen my grip letting him fall to the floor. I turn to grab a pair of shorts from my recliner at the foot of my bed still waiting for my answer. Once he catches his breath Jasper responds, “I was looking for Rayven, but I couldn’t find her. So, I came here to see if you would be able to. But, she’s in here with you. Why?” Jasper wasn’t blind to the fact that I had just been laying next to her completely naked but it’s also none of his concern either. “What do you need her for?” I ask, getting back to the main purpose of his arrival. “Her father wanted a check-in on her whereabouts. That’s all.” He stood up straight and started walking to the door. “Don’t tell him about this Jasper, please.” Rayven begged.

Moments later Rayven and I were both showered, dressed, and heading to breakfast before we were stopped by guards and lead to the main room to a furious father. “I don’t know what you think this is, but my daughter is not to be touched!” Taking a deep breath I sit cross-legged on the floor, patiently awaiting my punishment. “Dad, he didn’t do-” Omri cut her off with a deadly stare in her direction. I heard her heart start to race with fear. The thought of her feeling scared of her own father made me angry.