finding the stars- hawk x female reader

chapter 2

"Emptiness is all, it raised me as I am." - Zotlan Boszormenyl

"Iris!" Sabrina called from the front door of their new house, interrupting Iris's contemplation on which box to lift from the moving van first. As she stood there, surrounded by the daunting task of unpacking, regret began to creep into her thoughts. The oppressive heat only amplified her weariness, making the prospect of lifting a heavier box seem even more daunting.

"Coming, Mom!" Iris replied in Romanian, her voice laced with fatigue. She let out a long exhale, wiping the sweat from her brow, and mustered her energy to make her way to the front door. Each step felt like a burden, her body yearning for respite from the scorching heat.

Collapsing onto the cool floor of the entranceway, Iris embraced the momentary relief it offered. The tiles felt soothing against her overheated skin, and she closed her eyes, attempting to regain her strength.

"Take off that sweater, Iris," Sabrina ordered, bringing in one of the boxes the movers had left on the front porch. Her tone held a mix of concern and authority.

Iris's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing with anxiety. She couldn't let her parents find out about the marks on her arms, not like this. Not when they were supposed to be starting fresh in their new home. What would they think? Would they put her somewhere?

"I will, after... I just don't want Kiki to scratch me," Iris stammered, searching for an excuse to keep her secret hidden. She glanced down at her beloved feline companion, peering at her through the gaps of the crate, unaware of the weight of the situation.

Sabrina's expression softened slightly as she looked at her daughter and the cat. She understood the bond between them and didn't want to push too hard. "Well, shut the door, and then you can let her out," she relented, her voice gentle.

Relief flooded over Iris, mixed with a tinge of guilt. She knew her evasiveness couldn't last forever, but for now, she had bought herself a small reprieve. As she rose from the floor, the weight of her secret pressed against her chest, a reminder of the battles she fought in silence.

Iris moved to the front door, closing it behind her with a heavy sigh. She leaned against it for a moment, the cool wood providing a temporary respite from the world outside. With a deep breath, she pushed herself off and turned her attention to the crate. As she unlatched the door, a sense of comfort washed over her, knowing that at least in the presence of her best friend, she could momentarily escape the weight of her struggles.

With the front door closed Iris's focus shifted to the daunting task of unpacking. The house was filled with boxes of all shapes and sizes, each one containing a piece of their past waiting to find its place in their new home. The sheer magnitude of the task ahead overwhelmed her, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for leaving behind the familiar comforts of their old house.

Sure she struggled the most back home, but it was the only place she ever knew. What if things didn't work out here? There was no going back.

As Iris opened one box after another, memories flooded back—a cherished photo album of her and her mother's back in Canada. They were all wearing snowsuits and Iris had been standing in front of a large snowman. She smiled at the memory, slowly realizing how much she was going to miss the snow. It's comical to say because who misses the cold?

Sabrina joined Iris in the process, her presence a source of comfort and encouragement. Together, they carefully unpacked and arranged their belongings, finding solace in the act of creating a sense of familiarity in their new surroundings.

As they placed books on the shelves, Sabrina shared stories from Iris's childhood, their laughter filling the air and momentarily lifting the weight from Iris's weary shoulders. They hung curtains that had adorned their windows for years, transforming empty spaces into cozy havens. The rhythmic clinking of dishes being put away in the kitchen brought back memories of shared meals and lively conversations.