Performer, Provider, Protecter

3

"K-Kousa," I stutter. In the back of my mind, I hoped he would come but... Now that he's here I feel... uncomfortable. 

"Hey Cori."

We both stand there in silence.

"Look," he says, taking a step towards me, "I know what you're going to try to do."

I take an unconscious step backwards, "No you don't."

He sighs and runs his hands through his dark hair, "Cori..." He pauses, looking for words, "I should have volunteered for Tomlin, I know. I was just shocked," He again pauses, looking about ready to hit himself in the face, "Fine I was...Scared." 

I stare at him, stone-faced.

"Please, don't be mad at me. I just..." He sighs, "I don't even know how to say this... Don't throw your life away. Don't count yourself out. You-you-you're stronger. And your incredibly fast. Faster than almost everybody here--" 

I cut him off, "Kousa, I'm not mad at you. I'm scared too. So, don't...worry about it."

"Ok." He says awkwardly.

"But I'm not coming back."

He shakes his head, "I knew you were going to say that."

"Then why'd you come in here?" I say, way sharper than I meant.

"See, you say you're not mad, but I knew you were! Look, Cori... You have Etalie, and your mother! Don't... Don't... I care a lot about you. More than you could realize. I love my brother to death, but we all know that...well...Don't let him suffer just because you're trying to be brave." He says.

I stare at him, flabbergasted. 

"Cori--" He stops speaking abruptly and pivots on his heal and walks straight out the door.

Before I can try to figure out what Kousa means, a group of Peacekeepers enters the room and one of them informs me that it's time to leave.

I take a deep breath and step out the door, into a world full of uncertainties.