In Between Two Truths

Chapter 1

            Transfixed by the slow, gliding pool of crimson her ears struggled to register the sounds of sirens approaching what was once her home. No more secrets, no more lies; just freedom remained. Tear dotted cheeks and shaky breaths didn't register as the pool gathered around her feet. Was there someone calling her name? Could this have been avoided? Why did she believe? Why did she believe for so long? It was because she trusted, she loved.

A cool metal seat was the next thing her body could fully process along with the smell of warmed, stale coffee. The echo of pain on her wrists became the focus of her attention until the door at the other end of the room opened. She was startled until who it was registered along with the look on their face. She felt ashamed. Walking towards her the disbelief, pity, and anger warred on Officer Martinez's face. Never would he have imaged for her to end up like this. It made him think of his own daughter and how she was raised so close to danger. No, it wasn't Cadence's fault; if anything it was his. He should have known, been able to see the signs.

"Cadence-..." Having her name spoken in such a pained manner caused hot tears to hit her cheeks. It was time to speak, to make real everything that happened. Could time please stop? Time pausing meant this bland room would become her prison and she would never be able to see Noor again.

"Noor," Was forming words always this difficult for her?

"Is Noor alright? Where-" The look in Martinez's eyes cut her off. Technically, Noor's whereabouts should be the last thing discussed given the current circumstances; but it was the only thing that mattered to her.

"We need to talk about what happened Cadence." They already knew what happened. Anyone walking through the front door could have put the pieces together. What did they want from her? To relive it over again? All the tiny little details? To provide answers she didn't have to give? The person who they really wanted to talk to was no longer here; she had made sure of that.

"What do you want me to say?"

"The truth."