Tarnished Beauty

find me: a short story

a continuation of little me: a short story and hide and seek: a short story

find me: a short story

This time,
This time was different,
This time you had cuts on your thighs, bruises on your stomach, tears in your eyes, and a quivering whimper escaping your lips.
You were at the age– where I hated myself the most.
"I–I can't continue a-anymore. I–I just can't." You breathed out.
"Maybe you're broken, maybe you're shattered. With no reasons left to try. But you still have so much, so much worth saving. That you have left on the inside. I know you feel like you are worthless, and that your day has come. The misery eats you alive until you come undone. You feel like there is nowhere left to call your home tonight. You are not alone, this is our time, and I am by your side." I spoke softly.
I take this moment to place one of my hands on your cheeks.
You flinch but you don't move away from me.
Your tears become heavier.
"I know you feel hopeless, at the end of your rope now. The fear is eating you alive. So I'll be your reason, I'll be your shelter. I will not let you say goodbye. Have you no reason to forget your pain and swear you'll stay? If you kiss it all goodbye, my friend, the world will be a darker place. I know you're scared to death, but this is not the time to hide. You were meant for so much more, I won't let you leave this world behind." I continued.
You soon hugged me, sobbing your eyes out.
I returned the hug and held you.
I gently rubbed your back and comforted you.
I know we never had that.
I know that we fought on our own.
I know we never asked for help.
No one heard our cries.
I know no one saw our pain.
"Hey kid, can you hear me? You have every reason left to stay alive..." I spoke softly.
After a few seconds, you pulled away.
"Promise you will find me again." You spoke softly.
I looked at you, eyes softening a little.
"I promise," I replied.
After that,
We continued our game.

a.b.