Chapter 35: Finally

Athan stood still on the landing, his chest rising and falling unevenly. His face was blotched and damp, his hands twitching at his sides as if uncertain whether to defend himself or reach out.

Shawn stared at him in disbelief, heart thudding painfully. The tears had rattled him. Athan never cried. He was always collected, always proud. But now, seeing him like this, undone and fragile, something bloomed in Shawn's chest. Hope. Dread. And confusion. 

"…Why were you crying?" Shawn asked at last, his voice quieter than the silence around them, nearly drowned by the drumming of their hearts.

Athan looked away. He wiped his face first, then he replied, "Forget it. You shouldn't have seen that. I'm sorry for showing you such an unsightly view."

Shawn frowned. "That's not an answer."

"I said forget it," Athan replied, firmer and colder. He was trying to save what remains of his dignity. "Go back inside, Shawn. You don't have to see me like this."