𝐃𝐎𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐃 || 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐘 𝐁𝐈𝐗𝐋𝐄𝐑

𝐈.

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄
𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: 𝐍/𝐀
➳

Danny hadn't been to a church in years. The only times he had been to one was with his grandparents back when they were still alive. Now here he sat again, staring up at the elegant stained-glass windows, tears in his eyes. "I don't know what to do..." He whispered shakily, playing anxiously with the chain around his neck.

"Mom and Bridget are dead, the apartment is gone, we're in this new town, it's all a mess..." He choked back a sob, lifting his hands to cover his face. "This is all my fault. I killed them. She told me not to keep the stupid book, but I did. I-It's all my fault they're gone..." He opened his teary eyes to stare at the stained-glass window of Jesus once again.

"I-I wish someone would save me. Wake me up from this horrible nightmare... I miss my mom... I miss my sister..." He turned his eyes to look down at the ground. "What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?" He whispered to himself over and over again, his heart pumping rapidly in his chest. He could hear it in his ears, pounding relentlessly. He wanted it to stop. He wanted to scream. He wanted to do something just to make the pain stop.

"Hello. Do you mind?" A gentle voice came from beside him. He looked up through his tears to see a girl around his age, pointing to the seat next to him. "You look like you could use someone to talk to." No reply. "I... I'm sorry. That probably sounds very uh... presumptuous--"

"Go ahead," Danny answered quietly, taking in a shaky breath as he looked back down to the floor. The girl gave a small nod before moving to sit down beside him.

"Uh... sorry, but... do you mind me asking what's the matter?"

"Why do you care?" The platinum-haired boy asked in a semi-aggressive manner. The girl put her hands up in defense.

"Woah, woah, uh-- I just... you're sad. I-I would feel bad if I just sat here and at least didn't ask to try and help." She quickly explained, offering a small smile.

"Well, I don't want it, okay?"

"Okay. That's fine too." She paused, looking away from him. "I'm uh-- gonna be here for a while so if you change your mind, just ask." She mumbled before standing up and heading over to the votive stand. She lit a candle before stepping back, staring at it as the burning flame danced back and forth.

After a few deadly silent minutes passed, Danny brought his gaze from the floor over to her. Her offer felt more tempting after thinking about it. A complete stranger who he could dump his ramblings on and then never see again? Might be worth it, he figured. And so, he stood up, walking over to her.

"My mom and sister died." He began, looking over towards her, studying the expression on her face, which quickly turned to one of sympathy... perhaps pity. He wasn't sure. "It was my fault. I was messing with something I shouldn't have."

"I... God, I'm so sorry. That had to have been a horrific experience for you, especially so young."

"You say that like you're older than me." He said with a scoff, looking away from her.

"Perhaps I am." She mumbled, giving a light shrug. "How long ago?"

"A month. Feels like forever, though." He whispered, wiping away the tears which streamed down his face. "I don't know what to do for my younger sister. She's not even ten yet. How-- how do I help her with this? I can't even take care of myself."

"Is there anyone else in the picture to help you two?"

"My aunt and some of her friends. It's... okay, I guess. She's pregnant, so... it's not gonna get easier." He said bitterly, playing with his necklace again. "We just moved here, with one of her friends. Not really what I expected..."