When the Flower Falls (Fitzmael 7) - COMPLETED

14: Strange Comfort

WHEN WE ARRIVED AT HER house, I quietly opened the car door for her. I never said a word. After that, I headed straight to home, where my family was gathered, laughing as they ate their afternoon snack.

There, I saw my siblings, Cedar with Elisha, Lilac with Zius, Catmint with Archer, and my cousins Imil with Amaris, Marcus with Jarzaiah, Franco with Adorn, and Serene.

When they saw me, sadness was clear in their eyes. I hadn't even taken a single step when all the strength left my body... I fell to my knees and cried uncontrollably.

"W-Why are you all still here?" I muttered. They rushed to me and helped me up. "W-Why?" I asked, then let out a laugh.

"Hey, what happened?" Adorn asked.

I shook my head slowly. "I'm okay..." I whispered.

I didn't want them to know what had happened. I was furious at Eli for saying those things, for judging the family that welcomed her without question, yet I still loved her.

Even if we were no longer together, protecting her was the only thing I could do.

And I also wanted to protect my family. They shouldn't know what she said because I knew what they had been through. I was there for them. I witnessed their lowest moments, and it hurt that the person I trusted and loved so deeply would see us, our family, that way.

So I chose to suffer alone. I'd rather take all the judgment and the pain by myself.

I stared blankly into nothingness. I used to love life, but it felt like my world had turned upside down. My motivation to live had withered. I couldn't understand the emptiness gnawing at me.

Then a thought crossed my mind. A reckless decision I might regret... or maybe not.

I stood up, took a deep breath, and spoke. "I'm going to move out."

"Where?" they all asked in unison.

"Do you know how much I love you all?" I gave a faint smile. "Instead of asking why or stopping me, the first thing you asked was where."

"Of course. We're not going to stop you. We've all been through breakups, but that doesn't mean we feel the exact same pain. We each have our way of forgetting. If you think this is what you need, we support you. Just tell us where you're going so we don't worry," Cedar said.

"Thank you," I murmured. "Karao. I want to stay there for a while."

"Wow..." Elisha gasped. "I miss Karao!"

"That's your hometown, right?" Adorn asked.

"Yep."

Archer suddenly stood up and approached me. "Let's go! I'll help you pack." He hugged me and gently rubbed my back. "Dude, call me if you need anything,"

"Okay..."

"Call me if you need someone to drink with," Archer added, still not letting go of the hug. "Dude..." his voice softened. "Come back, okay?"

"Okay..."

"If things get too heavy, just call me. No matter what time it is, I'll come to you."

A tiny smirk escaped me, then a tear slid down my cheek. I hugged him back. It was the tightest hug I had ever given him.

After a while, he pulled away and we went to my room. He immediately opened my luggage and started putting in my clothes one by one.

I was about to help, but he wouldn't let me.

"I know you're exhausted already. Let me pack your things."

After several minutes, he finished. We went downstairs, and I said goodbye to each of them.