Keep Breathing
Chapter 3
–
Obi-Wan tossed and turned in his sleep, haunted by familiar ghosts – guilt, regret, fear, shame.
Fiery flashes of Anakin's face appear over and over again, and no matter which way he turned in bed, he was forced to watch him burn.
It seemed like the sun's light would never return as his heart remained buried under that unforgiving night.
He spends his days filled with regret, his nights struggling to forget.
It's true what they say, you either live fully, truly, honestly, or you live in life's ruins, and your ghosts are never set free.
It was as though the ghosts pried his eyes open in his sleep, forever forcing him to face his failures. They would never give him the gift of placidity. He would always pay for his blindspots... until he set things right.
–
The storm is coming but I don't mind
People are dying, I close my blinds
All that I know is I'm breathing now
–
"Luke, wake up." Obi-Wan gave him a little nudge.
Luke's eyes flickered open. He groaned as he stretched his arms up. "What time is it?"
"Just get up." Obi-Wan gently urged as he helped him out of bed and took him outside.
"Where are we going?" Luke rubbed his eyes, glancing around. Wondering why his uncle took him out into the garden.
"Here." Obi-Wan placed his hand in his pocket to pull something out.
"That's a – a lightsaber!" Luke gasped.
"Not just any lightsaber." One corner of Obi-Wan's mouth turned upwards. "Your dad's." He seemed just as excited to hold this weapon again. It had been so long since he used one.
Luke took the lightsaber and began twirling it around.
"It's time I showed you how to use it." Obi-Wan confirmed, watching him.
"But," Luke paused with hesitation. "mum will–"
"–Let me worry about her." Obi-Wan advised "For now, this'll just be our little secret."
Luke peered up at him, raising an eyebrow. "What about Leia?"
"You tell Leia, and come nightfall all of Naboo will know." He chuckled, and Luke's focus returned to the laser sword.
"We'll tell them in due time." Obi-Wan spoke softly, pretty much to himself as he observed Luke's skill.
–
"Padme, you got a minute?" Obi-Wan stood there in the middle of the living room, watching Padme rush from one corner to the next, tidying up.
"Not really. I'm supposed to take Leia to the market. She needs new shoes." She brushed past him.
"I think it's best I do that." He inserted
Padme finally stopped prancing around. "Obi-Wan–"
"Just to be safe." He assured
"Fine." She sighed. He thought he detected a slight eye roll. But instead he was met with warm gratitude. "Thanks."
He offered her a subtle, polite nod.
"You know," She began as she sunk onto the couch. "It was nice for the kids to have you here last night... Maybe, instead of going back and forth to the house, you could. . .stay."
