Chapter .38.

the kind of smile,

that would be cruel

not to kiss

-atticus

***

They are exactly where I last saw them.

Sitting in the backyard, their world peaceful while mine was going up in flames.

"Dad."

I clear my throat, cringing at how the single word broke. How weak it sounded. He turns to me, his eyes growing sad as they take in my appearance. Mom turns also, paint now splattered along her arms and hands. Small smudges can be seen on her face and shirt.

"Do you need something?"

With the attention of dad's eyes focused on me, I panic.

What was I doing? Why was I going to him? It shouldn't be him. I needed to see Orion. I needed to tell Orion. Orion was the one I should be going to.

But I can't move. I can't look away from those blue eyes- eyes that match my own- as I whisper, "Can I talk to you?"