Coming Home

Chapter 3

It's warm. I recognize the smell of Matt's laundry detergent and relax into what I assume is the guest bed. I can't believe I had flashbacks of my middle school years. I think to myself. I stay laying there with my eyes closed. I was honestly the happiest I've ever been back then.
   
The memories of old times with my old friend bring a small smile to my face before I come to reality and realize the situation I'm in. I begin to cry and barry my face into a pillow.

I was so oblivious to how evil my father was and what he had done; what he would do. Matt had helped me when no one else would and took me under his wing. Being my crutches to help me get back up after I fell physically and emotionally. I needed support in defending myself and those I love, which he provided. During the time we have known one another, at some point, he began to see me as an equal person of strength, power, and worth. I looked up to him for the longest time but even the people you look up to won't pull through when you need them at one point or another. Even still I care deeply about him.

After I'm done crying I focus on what's going on around me honing in on my senses. Listening I hear the sound of bacon sizzling in a pan which matches the smell that is wafting upstairs. Smelling the salty treat causes my mouth to water and my stomach to growl. I then hear the annoying timer of the oven followed by the oven door opening and the smell of fresh snickerdoodle cookies floats toward me.

My eyes shoot open, but I lose all of my appetite as I feel a deep rage and an overwhelmingly deep sorrow only some know. It breaks my heart when I open my eyes only to not be able to see anything. Still wanting food and deciding it was best I got something in my stomach.

I get up. I feel my way around the bed crawling on my hands and knees. I stand next to the bed and lightly stomp to see if I can use the vibrations to see where I am though it's a lot harder than I expected. I use my hearing to see if I hear anything move or vibrate around me. I walk with my hands extended until I reach the railing which I follow to the stairs. I make my way down feeling for each step while holding the railing. It took me forever but I eventually made it to the bottom.

"Good morning," I hear Matt say from somewhere in front of me which makes me jump. "Hungry?" He asks which I hum an mhm in response. I walk forward with my hands out searching for a chair for the breakfast bar. I stub my toe and begin letting out a stream of curses to which Matt chuckles next to me. I quickly punch him in the arm and he hisses. "You may have taken a beating but you are the strongest woman I know." He says lightly. Satisfied, I take a seat. Honestly, I felt like I walked through hell and back but decided Matt didn't need to know that.

We ate in silence and I couldn't help but thank the fates that I could still taste. Even if I couldn't see, I am so grateful that I can at least taste bacon. I know that Matt was staring at me as I shovel the food from my second plate into my mouth. I can feel his burning gaze on the side of my face. He's waiting for me to explain what happened but also contemplating whether or not to just outright ask.
   
Finally, he asks. "What happened little wolf? Tell me everything. You need me to kill someone?" Matt asks to try to gently pry it out of me but also let me know he'll protect me the way he always does. "No," I say.
   
"No!? That's all I get after dragging your sorry half-dead ass here!?" There's a silent pause and the atmosphere is heavy. He sighs.
   
"Ouch, that hurts." He says faking hurt and laughing lightly trying to ease the tension.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you, I just can't stand seeing you like this." He admits, "So what can I know?" 

I'm not ready to tell him but he is letting me stay here. I sigh knowing I'll have to at least tell him the basic story and that I could explain the details later.
   
"Coffee first," I sigh knowing it'll be hard to tell him what happened.
   
"Alright."