Flashback 16

“Are you there?” RuIng asked.

Sevir paused, back stiff, unmoving.

“I found a way. If you are there and please tell me you are safe.”

Sevir did not speak. His shoulders quivered and head hung.

“Sevir. It’s been more than half a year. Talk to me.”

Sevir's frame shook, but he didn’t utter a word.

“Is the crystal with you or with someone else?”

Sevir sniffed and RuIng caught it. “Sevir? Are you there? Please talk to me. I have no one but you. Please do not abandon me. I did not mean to betray you. I did not know how to speak to you about it. Wouldn’t you be angry like me? Would you accept me? I was afraid that this would happen. Please, just tell me how can I fix this?”

Sevir sniffed, eyes red, face swollen, but he did not speak.

“I can hear movement. Are you listening to me? You were never the one to run away. You are the only one who has ever told me to stand up for myself. Why are you hiding now?”

Sevir cried silently, but did not respond.