The Shadow's Hunger: Unveiling the True Demise

Chapter 7

"Ellie," Thomas whispers, "Ellie, wake up. Marie wants to talk to you."

"Mhmh?" Ellie murmurs, "Marie? Okay, give me a minute." She continues to mumble to herself as she sits up. "Thomas? I need help standing up."

"Of course." He takes her hand and gently helps her stand up.

"Oof!"

"Are you okay?"

"Y...yeah, I'm good. I stood up too fast, that's all."

"Come on, I'll help you to Marie's room."

"Okay." They slowly make their way to Marie's room. "Marie! I'm here!"

"Hey, girl, hey," Marie says, "thanks for coming over here. I would've come over to you if I could. I hate it here."

Ellie laughs. "Well, at least you know how I feel all the time."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"So, what happened? I'm not pressuring you to tell me, I'm just worried. I won't let you go down the same path I did."

"I'll tell you, just promise you won't tell Blake or anyone else."

"Of course, I promise."

"There was a man there too. Matt and I somehow got separated and he..."

"The man?"

"Yeah, he followed me and he knocked me out before I realized that Matt and I had been separated. His eyes...there wasn't any emotion in them. I guess that's what really shook me."
"Is that all that happened?"

"Yeah..." She looks away from Ellie.

"Marie.."

"Nothing else happened!"

"Okay, I won't push you. You can tell me when you're ready."

"Thank you.."

"Of course." She smiles at her. "I'm just doing what you've done for me.

"I wouldn't be your best friend if I weren't there for you when you needed me."

"Yeah, you're right." Ellie looks away momentarily.

"Ellie!" Earth to Ellie!"

"Hmm?" Oh, sorry, I was just thinking about something."

"What is it?"

"Marie, did that man...did he touch you?"

Marie pales and looks away from her. "You should leave."

"Marie..."

"Please, go..."

"Okay, just talk to me whenever you're ready to, okay?"

"Okay."

"Marie, you aren't alone. I went through it too and it nearly destroyed me. I won't let that happen to you. I can't lose you." She stands up and leaves the room.

Thomas is waiting outside the room for her. "So?" he asks, "Did she tell you what happened?"

"Yes," she answered, "a bit, although I think I know what happened to her and I know why she won't talk to anyone."
"Really? Why?"

"I can't tell you! She'd never forgive me! She'll talk when she's ready to!"

"Okay, okay! I get it! You don't have to bite my head off!"

"You don't have to be mean!" She starts to cry.

"Ellie! I didn't mean that! I'm sorry! Let's get you back to your room, okay?"

(sniffle) "Okay." She takes his hand and he helps her back to her room.

After she's laying down again, she whispers, "I'm sorry, Thomas. I didn't mean to yell at you. I'm just worried about Marie."

"Ellie, tell me what you think happened. Stress isn't good for you, especially right now. I won't tell anyone, I promise."

"I...I think someone...t...took advantage of her."

"What?"

"She told me there was a man there too and Matt and her accidentally got separated and by the time she noticed it was too late!"

"Shh, it's okay. She'll be okay. She's probably scared and ashamed."

"I know. That's how I felt. I'm going to be there for her no matter what."

"Yeah, so will I. You should get some rest. I'll wake you up if Marie asks for you again."

"Okay." She curls up on the bed and falls asleep.