My Eywa || AVATAR

31 🍂 Leave Everything Behind 🍂

NETEYAM

I exited the biolab, drained, overwhelmed by a pervasive sense of frustration.

I had tried to approach Della because yesterday she had left without saying goodbye, without even casting a glance my way. Her last words echoed in my mind, filled with tears and pain, accusing me of pushing her away from Spider.

At that moment, I didn't think, didn't process. But now I wondered if I should have tried.

That man, Quaritch, was menacingly approaching, proving to be more than dangerous. All I wanted was to protect her, ensure her safety. The mere thought of her getting hurt haunted me, and I didn't know how I could forgive myself if something happened to her. Worse yet, if they took her away, it would be unbearable; I wouldn't know how to live without her.

But perhaps I should have tried.

My lack of action had led to Spider being taken away, and it was tearing Della apart.

I had just tried to speak with her, to unfold the words that would explain my wish to have been able to save him, but there was no way to do so. Not without exposing her to danger. I couldn't protect her and rescue him at the same time.

However, as I uttered Spider's name, tears began to well up in her eyes. In a resigned silence, she distanced herself from me, leaving me alone in the cold austerity of the laboratory.

Seeing her like that, in that state, wounded and defeated, broke my heart. The joy that once radiated from her was now overshadowed by a desolate aura.

Why did this have to happen, damn it?!

I would have never been willing to expose her to danger, but the pain she was going through now, perhaps, it was worse than any harm they could have caused her.

If only I could go back in time and change things...

In the midst of my frustration, I glimpsed Lo'ak approaching my side with a calm cadence. His eyes reflected a palpable concern as he met my distressed face. "What's up, bro? you look dreadful" he whispered with a slightly playful tone, though behind his gaze, I knew genuine worry lurked.

I struggled to draw a smile on my lips, trying to conceal my inner torment. I extended my arms to wrap his shoulders in a warm embrace and greeted him, "It's nothing, baby bro" I replied, attempting to convey a calmness that I myself yearned for. "Are you heading back home?" I asked, eager to change the course of the conversation.

In his expression, I perceived a fleeting glimmer of confusion, but fortunately, he decided to let it slide. "Yep, how 'bout you?" he asked with interest.

"Same here, let's go together," I confirmed.

As we neared our marui, we spotted Tuk sprawled on the floor, peering under the wicker tent inward, while Kiri had her head pressed against the fabric weaving the walls of our crib. It was clear they were eavesdropping on a conversation or something going down inside the house.