The Exiles

20. The Water that Heals

Attin tried to centre his focus on one thought alone — Nessie — but his mind churned with the events leading up to Maine. The wrong man. He had the wrong man, or monster, really. He couldn't shake the feeling he'd almost lost his brother because of his stupid mistake, his arrogance. I'm not special. I never was...

"Attin, focus!" Papa's voice pierced his rambling thoughts. "Nessie needs you. You came here for her, didn't you? To have Maan help ease her pain?"

He nodded, though Papa couldn't see as his eyes were closed too.

Papa squeezed his hand gently. "So let us help her. Get us to her, son. You can do this. You just have to believe. If Amer is right and she was here to help him, I know she will also guide you to where she is. Just call out to her. Let your sister hear from you, my boy. Let her hear you."

Attin nodded yet again, held his father and brother's hands tighter in their circle, and drew in a steadying breath, just like Mama had taught him when things became too much to take in.

In. And out.

In. And out.

In.

Out.

Nessie? Nessie, are you there?

In.

Ness, can you hear me? It's Attin.

Out.

If you can hear me, say something. Please.

Silence filled his ears.

Ness—

"I'm here, brother. I'm here..." her voice was faint, fainter than the rhythm of a heart beating in a child's chest.

Attin's grip on Amer and Papa's hands tightened evermore. His own heart hammered in his rib cage. You're not well, are you? Like Amer said...

Silence greeted him again. And he hated it.

Ness? Nessie?

"I'm here, brother. I'm here..."

Where? His heart leaped to his throat as he waited for her reply.

Please, Ness, let me help you. Tell me where you are, darling girl.

A moment of dreadful silence later, she replied: It's cold here, brother. So cold... and I hear water... not a stream, but gentle lapping... Mama was with me for a while... but now I don't hear her. Attin? I'm scared...

Where is here? He urged. "Where is here, Ness?"

But his sister was once again silent.

Attin opened his eyes, peering at his father with his heart in his throat.

"Well?" Papa asked. "Where is she?"

He shook his head. "She didn't say. I don't think she knows. She says it's cold and she can hear some water nearby, but not like a river or a stream. And Mama—"

"What about Mama?" Papa tugged at his hand as Attin stared at his foot.

Attin shook his head. He didn't know, did he? "She's no longer with her, Papa. That's all I know."

Papa seemed frazzled by this news.

"Come on. What are we wasting time for?" Amer tugged at their hands. "Nessie needs our help, and so does Mama. She wouldn't just abandon her like that."

"Your brother is right. Despite what issues your mother might have with me, she loves Nessie." Papa squared his shoulders and nodded. "Take us to her, Attin. I don't like the sound of where Nessie is."