A Million Reasons | K. Danvers ✔

[64] One Reason

• July 03, 2017 •

Alex could see that Kara was very worn out. So when Ava came back and told them all that Zach was recovering and doing much better than before, Alex persuaded her younger sister to come with her to the cafeteria.

Kara hadn't had anything to eat in a long time as she had been too worried for Zach. But with the assurance that he was not in a critical condition anymore, she agreed to go with Alex.

The cafeteria wasn't crowded so they quickly found a table and Alex ordered sandwiches, bringing the tray to the table herself. Kara's azure eyes were glassy with a distant look as she was still thinking about Zach.

"Kara, eat up," she prompted her gently, "you are already tired and haven't eaten since yesterday. Don't resist."

"I'm fine," she mumbled but seeing the sandwiches placed in front of her made her stomach grumble.

A slight smile flickered on Alex's face, "your stomach says otherwise."

"Alright you win," she picked up a sandwich, "I'm hungry. But more so, I'm worried."

"But Zach's conscious now, the surgery went well and I'm sure he will recover too," she tried to reassure her, watching Kara's lips set into a tight frown again as she placed back the sandwich.

"He was so eager to participate in the World Championships," Kara spoke up, "he won't be able to now and I feel like it would be very hard for him to accept it."

"You were there with him before he was taken for surgery, right?" She had placed her hand on top of hers reassuringly, "did he say anything to you that makes you think that?"

Kara lowered her head in a nod, "I've never seen him this disappointed before. It was... Heartbreaking..."

"Oh."

The frown deepened as if she was reflecting over his words again, "he said there was nothing left to... No reason for him to keep going... I felt terrible to hear him say that, to see him lose hope. It just... It made me hurt."

Alex squeezed her hand, implying that she understood her, "did you try and comfort him?"

"I had to. I couldn't see him like that."

"What did you say?"

"I told him that I love him... For the first time ever, I tried to give him a reason to hold on to. To tell him that no matter what happens, I'll be here for him," she had turned her head, looking away because she felt her eyes would water again, "but... But it's just one reason. I don't know if it can be enough."

Alex nodded, patting the back of her palm lightly, "don't be so pessimistic, dear. Every person around him who he loves and cares for is a reason in itself. I think that the reason you gave him was the strongest you could offer and I'm sure he understands that too. It will take time but I'm sure he'll make it through."

"I hope so," she mumbled, "I don't want to lose him."

"You won't. Trust me."

***

The worst of his fears had been confirmed when he received another coded message from his parents. He was able to decode it easily but the threat it presented made him alarmed.

He hadn't replied to the previous message in hopes that they would think he hadn't survived and would leave. But the second message made it clear that they knew he had survived and suspected that he was in captivity.

The result of their misunderstanding could lead to chaotic consequences with the utmost destruction on both sides. He had to reply to that message but even if he did, it would not stop what had already been put into motion.