[2024 WATTYS WINNER] In a world divided by a wall, once a year, the gates open for a chance to switch sides. Technological side or nature side? That's the question. Grace and her brother, Michael, tired of the nature side, are determined to make the...
A tear ran down my cheek and I wiped it fast. Heather had already seen me enough emotional today.
Once the gates were closed, I saw the drones fly away, and the Raymn Fumes they'd released, dissipated. There he was, Michael, on the floor surrounded by smoke and lifeless bodies.
"Oh my god." I blurted out.
"Wait." Heather said before I panicked and placed a hand softly on my arm.
A woman and a man rushed over to Michael, helping him to his feet. Despite his weak movements, he seemed to react and with the help of the other two he stood up and walked away. I closed my eyes, relieved.
He survived the attack.
He had left the border, walking on his own feet.
And he wasn't alone.
At least now I knew that.
"Has he ever come to the gates again?" I asked.
"No that I know." Heather said.
"Okey, okey..." I whispered to myself. The new information settled in my chest, lifting a weight that turned into a cascade, flooding my eyes. Damn it. I wanted to hold it back, at least until Heather wasn't standing in front of me, but I just couldn't.
I shielded my face with my hands. "I just need a moment," I managed to say before tears did all their way down again.
Heather didn't respond right away and stood frozen in silence for a second. Then, she moved closer and a hand rested lightly on my shoulder. It was hesitant but steady.
"Take your time." She said.
Suddenly, my Reg Bracelet buzzed. I glanced down at it, confused. Heather's hand lingered for just a second longer before she stepped back, giving me space.
"What the hell?" I said gazing at the bracelet.
Heather reached for my hand, taking it gently in hers. "It's tracking your stress levels. You're too agitated." She explained.
She gently touched the sides of the bracelet, and a small hologram projected above my wrist. "Let me adjust it so it won't bother you again."
I let her work because I mean, I was way too overwhelmed to question it. She seemed to know exactly what she was doing. Her fingers moved with practiced precision, adjusting settings I didn't understand. Once she finished, she pressed the sides of the bracelet firmly against my wrist, as if securing it in place.
"Done." She said.
Before she could pull her hand away, I grabbed it, holding it for a moment longer. Her eyes darted to mine, surprised.
"Thanks," I said softly. "For real."
Heather's lips curved into a brief smile and then she gave my hand a small squeeze before letting go.
"Okay. Now, let's get out of here before someone sees us." Heather said, cautiously checking outside the room to ensure it was safe. Without asking, she grabbed my hand again to lead the way. I guess she thought it was too dark for me to follow on my own? Such a warm hand for that cold heart.
Although, she did have something close to a heart down there even if it was a bit cold and I'd always be grateful she showed me that footage, at least now my crazy head and heart could rest a little and stop imagining Michael dead at the foot of a tree.
Once we reached the third floor, it was time to say goodbye, as the newcomers' rooms were on the sixth floor.
"Thanks again for..." I hesitated, not wanting to mention what she'd done out loud. "That..."
She nodded.
"And also, thank you for..." I continued.
"Picking you up drunk off the floor?" She teased.
"Yeah, that too..." I winced. "I was kind of hoping you could forget about it."
"Oh, I never forget useful information," she said, her grin turning wicked. "You never know when that might come in handy."
"Yeah, that's what I thought," I muttered. I was crazy if I thought Heather wouldn't take advantage of this situation. "But maybe... don't mention it to Kate? I've got the combat test next week, and I'd prefer not to be her punching bag and her joke for the entire upcoming sessions."
"Alright. That's fair. Just try not to drink again anything Kate orders for you. It's the classic trap." She said.
"I know it now." I said.
"Get some rest, okay?" She said as she started to leave the stairs.
"Heather wait."
She turned around once more.
"Why did you change your mind?" I asked.
Heather went silent for a moment.
"You've got something worth fighting for. I respect that. Just don't think I'm soft now."
"I wouldn't even dare to think it." I said with a smile.
She held my eyes for a moment.
Then, slowly, she smiled back before turning and walking away.
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