It's Quiet

The boys spent the rest of the night walking home from the church. The snow falls heavily and powders the ground. When they get home, Owen's family is still out. They go into the room and look at each other. Ashton hasn't spoken since he left the church, and Owen is starting to worry even more.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Owen mumbles as Ash sits on the bed.

"No." Ash gently pets the crow in his hands and his voice breaks. "I really don't, but thank you for trying to help me."

"Okay…" Owen sits beside him. "Is the little guy okay?"

"He's scared, but he's okay." Ash lets Owen look at the crow. "I'm sorry…."

"For what?" Owen tilts his head. "I mean… it hurts to know that you were in so much pain as a human, but I'm not the one you should be worried about."

"I just…" Ash looks down. "I don't want you to look at me like I'm a bad person."

"Why would I think you're a bad person?" Owen leans his head against Ash's shoulder.