Chapter .25.

You collect Scars

Because you want proof

that you are paying

for whatever sins you

have committed

***

My eyes open before the sun has risen. The habits of my sleep wouldn't leave- even if my body still protested in silent waves of diluted pain.

I had enough experience to know that the aftershocks would linger for the rest of the day. I could deal with them though.

"Hello."

I turn to find Orion staring down at me. He sat in the chair that dad had been occupying. Now within the room, it was just me and him.

"Hey."

His eyes glance over me, inspecting my body before he positions himself to look back down at my face.

A sigh leaves him, one that has his shoulders rising and falling in relief.

I sit up, cautiously moving my feet to the side. No pain was set off- it was all the encouragement I needed to stand.

"Let's go."