The Aftermath

Change

"Quit stalling already and answer the question"

Ah, the dreaded question 'Why did you leave?'
I had had a mental conversation during my time alone in order to come up with an apology or reasoning of some sorts to justify my actions in the case that I found myself in this very predicament.
Yet, I drew a blank.
How was I supposed to explain the fact that I left for the sake of my own sanity? And that the pressure of being the oldest there and being responsible for helping out those in charge of the orphanage. I just couldn't cope anymore. After all, I'm just a kid myself. How could I look after others if I couldn't even look after myself?
It was for the best I left, I did the right thing... right? Right

"Well then? I'm waiting for the oh so great reason that led to you leaving our home, and what resembled a family."

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose " Look, I'm sorry. I can't apologise enough. I just... needed to get out. Enjoy life and do something for myself, y'know?"

"But that didn't have to mean you leaving! We needed you..."
His voice breaking at the end of the sentence.

" Don't be going soft on me James. What did I teach you avout the world, hmm? I told you of the horrors and dangers, trying to protect you from the world. You can't go soft or show weakness, or else you won't last. It's survival of the fittest, only the strongest survive and are left standing.

I mean, look at you now! All grown up and ready to fight. You don't need me. You've seemed to handle yourself just fine without me. Before, you were like a backpack that clung to me wherever I go. But now? You're fighting alongside your team, leading in battle strategics and life skills."

"Just because I can handle it, doesn't mean to say that I didn't need you.....that I don't need you. Elle, what happened? We used to be so close. Thick as Thieves you said. But the person I'm looking at now, I don't recognise.  You could jave easily fought off those zombies, and escaped here by now. Seems to me that you're the one that's gone soft."

" Now that's not fair. Don't you dare say what I can and can't do. Like you said, you don't know me."

"But I want to. I want to hear you laugh and  share stories of our adventures. I want to make new memories with you, and remember the old ones too. I really have missed you Elle. I truly want you back in my life."

".....Well I don't want to be in yours."

"Elle..... surely you dont mean that!"

" Jamie....'cough' I mean James. Did you really think that this could work?"

"It can work! I know it can! C'mon Elle, let me get to know you again. Just give me a chance, ey?"

"....I.... I need to think about this."

"..'pause' okay, I'll give you some time alone."