Down the Dark

[Chapter 8: Terra]

     "Wake up, Viola." Charlotte's voice woke me from my sleep, and I felt miserable as I realized it really wasn't a dream. "You need to shower so we could eat breakfast with Chris."

     "I don't want to," I said quietly. "Pretend I'm sick again."

     "Better to get over it sooner," Charlotte smiled. "And he wants to meet you."

     I nodded slowly and got up, stumbling to the bathroom. Lizzy was already there, slowly brushing her hair. "Good morning, Viola," she flashed her white teeth at me.

     I didn't say anything, just zombie-walked to the shower area. Not even taking my clothes off, I turned on the water super-cold. I stood there for a while. And that's when the tears came. I sobbed and fell on my knees.

     I felt warm hands reaching past my head to the shower handle, and flinched. I looked up to see Lizzy. Just Lizzy.

     "Oh honey," Lizzie said, taking me into her arms. "It's all gonna be okay."

     I'm breathing fast now, short shallow breaths that don't seem to be giving me enough oxygen. "I'm scared."

     "I know. We all were scared in the beginning."

     "But..."

     "Shhh... do you want help?"

     I shake my head. "I think... I think I can shower myself."

     "Okay." With that, Lizzie left the room and I peeled off my soaking-wet dress and began my hot shower.