**reunion**
---
**Ashley's POV **
"I'm coming!" I shouted, my voice carrying the impatience of someone who'd been interrupted too many times.
It had been a month since she disappeared. A whole, excruciating month. I'd clung to the faint hope that she was still out there somewhere, alive-but every day, that hope dimmed, swallowed by a darkness I couldn't escape.
The knock came again, louder this time, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Who is it, Ash? Is it Emma again?" Alex's voice floated from the kitchen, cautious yet curious.
"I don't know," I muttered, my heart tightening in my chest. Emma had been here earlier, her usual unshakable optimism making me feel both comforted and suffocated. She believed her brother could find Araya. I wanted to believe it too, but how could I, when every passing day without her felt like another nail in the coffin?
I reached the door and hesitated. My hand trembled as it hovered over the doorknob. Something about this moment felt heavier than usual, like the air had thickened around me.
I opened the door, and my breath left me in a rush.
"Araya..." I whispered, the name barely escaping my lips.
I blinked rapidly, unsure if my mind was playing cruel tricks on me. She stood there, battered and broken, like a ghost of the sister I once knew.
"Araya," I said again, louder this time, tears spilling down my cheeks as I lunged forward to pull her into my arms.
She collapsed against me, her body trembling as she clung to me like she was afraid I might disappear.
"Sister..." she whispered, her voice hoarse and shaky, as though even speaking caused her pain.
My tears came faster, my chest heaving as I held her tighter. "You're here. You're really here," I sobbed, my voice breaking under the weight of my emotions.
Alex's footsteps sounded behind me, and then her sharp intake of breath. "Araya," she gasped, her voice trembling.
Araya looked up at her, her eyes glassy and distant, as though she were struggling to believe any of this was real.
"Araya, where have you been?!" My voice rose suddenly, the months of fear and frustration boiling over. I pulled back and gripped her shoulders, shaking her gently.
"Do you know what you've put us through?!" I yelled, my emotions a whirlwind of relief and anger.
---
**Araya's POV **
Her words sliced through me, and I felt my knees weaken. I tried to speak, to explain, but nothing came out. How could I even begin to tell her the truth? How could I put into words the nightmare I had lived?
Ashley's grip tightened on my shoulders. "Talk to me, Araya! I'm your sister! You owe me this much!"
I opened my mouth, but no sound came. The lump in my throat was too large, the pain too heavy.
Alex stepped closer, her eyes filled with tears. "Araya, please... just tell us you're okay. Tell us you're safe now," she pleaded.
But I couldn't. The weight of everything crushed me, and my vision blurred. The last thing I heard before the darkness took over was Ashley's panicked voice calling my name.
---
**8:30 PM – That Night**
"Araya, you're awake!" Ashley's voice broke through the haze as I slowly opened my eyes.
I blinked, disoriented, and saw her and Alex sitting on either side of the bed. Their faces were pale, their eyes red and puffy from crying.
"Uh...um..." I croaked weakly, my throat dry and scratchy.
Ashley leaned closer, her hand brushing a strand of hair from my face. "We've decided not to pressure you," she said softly. "You don't have to tell us anything. We just... we're just so happy you're back."
Alex nodded, her gaze filled with silent understanding.
Tears burned my eyes as I nodded, grateful but unable to express it in words.
Ashley smiled gently and tucked the blanket around me. "You must be starving. I made something for you." She lifted a plate of toast and sausage and placed it on my lap.
The sight of food made my stomach churn with hunger, but also with nausea. I hesitated, glancing between them.
"It's okay," Alex said, her voice steady. "You don't have to do anything but eat and rest."
Something about her calm, reassuring tone broke through my defenses. I picked up the bread and took a bite, the simple act of eating feeling strangely monumental.
---
**Alex's POV **
Watching her eat was both a relief and a heartache. She was back, but she wasn't the same. Her bruises, her hollow eyes-they were evidence of the horrors she'd endured. I wanted to demand answers, to know who had done this to her, but I knew now wasn't the time. She didn't need questions. She needed love.
Ashley glanced at me, her smile hiding the same pain I felt. We'd have to be strong for Araya, even if it killed us.
"Care for some, Alex?" Araya asked suddenly, her voice quiet but polite.
I shook my head, forcing a small smile. "No, I'm fine."
When she finished eating, I took the tray and left the room, giving the sisters some privacy.
---
**Araya's POV **
"Can you stay with me, Ash?" I asked softly, staring at the blanket.
She looked at me, her eyes wide with surprise, before she smiled and wrapped her arms around me. "Of course, Araya. I'll stay with you as long as you need me."
We lay down together, her warmth comforting me in a way I hadn't felt in so long.
"Emma didn't lie, you know," she whispered after a while. "She promised her brother would find you, and he did. Would you like to come with me tomorrow to thank him?"
"Uh-huh," I mumbled, the weight of sleep pulling me under.
Ashley hugged me tighter. "I love you, Araya. I'm so glad you're back."
As her words echoed in my mind, I closed my
eyes, letting the safety of her presence lull me to sleep for the first time in what felt like forever.