Dead and Grey *dark*

Euphoria

The most terrifying moment is when you realize you're finally okay. Because when will that stop?

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Delia
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Maple Valley Memorial Hospital used to be my least favorite place. The dull grey walls reflect the too-bright hospital lights, sick people linger in the halls coughing on anyone who dares enter their space.

Now though, in just the two days it took for the world to go to shit, it looks more like a refuge. Armed men cover the exits to all five floors. The repetitive sound of nails and hammers drum in my ears as they block the windows on the ground floor where I've just reunited with my family.

The annoying, dull walls now comfort me as I stand in their safety. My breath evens out; I hadn't realized how ragged it had been.

Mom and Dad stand in front of us, their white lab coats are untouched by the dangers outside. A long machete sits in a holster on Mom's hip and Dad stands unarmed, at least from what I can see. Concern is written across their faces, but they seem more relieved than anything.

Mom's perfectly tamed brown hair opposed my frizzy mop, the only quality we don't share. I see myself in her eyes and her posture as she stands so sure of herself; so confident in an era of chaos.

"We left to come find you, as soon as things started going down," my father speaks for the first time since we've been back together, "you weren't home, and-and Hillwood was over-run. We couldn't find you. Did you find the guns I left for you?" He places a large hand on my shoulder like he's afraid I'll disappear if he lets me go. My eyes flutter to my shoes, and then to Sam's blood-stained sneakers. I nod slightly, just enough for him to know I did.

"We had to have called you, what?" Mom spares a look to Dad, "a million times at least." She brings her eyes back to me.

I hate when people worry for me, even my parents, it's a responsibility I don't want to carry.

"I lost my phone, we went back to the house as soon as it started," I begin, but Sam interrupts me.

"It was horrible momma," her fingers twitch and I see the trauma flash through her eyes. I can tell Mom wants to reach for her, but she stays in her stance.

"I saw Mom's car and I feared the worst. How did you get back? Is anyone coming for us?" I question and lift my gaze back to my parents. Mom's eyes are firm and cold, while Dad's eyes are misted over, a mix of fear and unknowing shining for the world to see. The question I fear most goes unanswered.

"Nobody knows. I haven't even heard anyone who might know what's next." My mother almost mumbles, which is unusual for her. She's always been what I used to think was confident, but as I grew out of my youth I realized she was arrogant. Dad avoids my eyes for a moment, he doesn't know either.

Past them, Theo sits in the waiting lounge, his bow protectively placed on his lap. His eyes dart around, inspecting his surroundings. I'm surprised he hasn't bolted yet. Grant sits across from him, obviously avoiding eye contact and conversation. In the midst of his scan, Theo's eyes almost pass me, but they come racing back, looking into me. His look says it all, he wants to run. Something inside of me decides to detach myself from him. There's nothing we could do for each other anymore. He would go his way, and I would stay here. I tear myself from his gaze, but I feel his cold eyes drilling a hole into my skin.