Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

While they waited for Connor to return, Eli gave Clara a brief rundown of what had happened, telling her about the detectives' visit and his own panic about her situation. Clara felt a flash of remorse for making him worry. 

"Why did you go to Lana's again?" he asked her, after finishing his retelling. "You haven't been there in so long. I thought it reminded you too much of Abigail."

"I--" she stuttered a little, feeling the weight of Eli's concern. "I just missed her. I don't know." She looked away, avoiding his eyes. "I feel so lost without her sometimes."

He sighed, eyes softening. "I miss her too."

Clara felt a stab of guilt at her lie, but she was grateful he'd believed her. She'd tell him the truth eventually, but this was not the place. There were too many ears. 

The room was silent for a moments as the two were absorbed in their own thoughts. Then a jolt went through Clara. She abruptly turned to Eli, catching his attention. "Is everything okay at home?"

He nodded. "I made sure things were in order before I left. But I should probably head back soon." He stood, coming by the bed to pull her into a hug. "I'll come by again this evening."

She returned the hug. "Alright!"

"Do you want anything from home while I'm there?" he offered. 

Clara thought for a moment. "Can you bring me my tablet? I need to write down everything that happened."

He shook his head in amusement. "You and your tablet." He chucked lightly. "Yes, I can bring it to you. Anything else?"

"A book? And maybe my crochet?"

"You got it." He gave her one last smile then left the room, closing the door softly behind him. 

A few minutes later, the door opened again. Clara looked up to see Connor walking in. "Where's Eli going?"

"He has some things to take care of back home." She gave the android a small smile. 

"I see." Connor came toward the bed, taking Eli's vacant seat.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, tone polite and neutral.

Clara sighed, suppressing irritation at the oft repeated question. "Just dandy," she answered. "Like a bouquet of summer roses. Never felt better."

"That was sarcasm." The android frowned slightly.

"Yes, Connor, it was." She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I've just been asked that too many times today. I was kidnapped at gun point and beaten within an inch of my life. How do people expect me to feel after that?" She looked back at him. He opened his mouth to answer, but she cut him off. "That was rhetorical."