Tom Riddle - Downfall

Chapter 63: Back home

Meanwhile, in Hogwarts

It's been four long days since he last saw me, and Tom misses me terribly. He decides that he has to try and find me now, and he's determined to reach me before he can leave for good. He searches the castle, looking for any signs of me. He stops Kim in the hallway, hoping that she will be able to help him. He's hoping she knows where I went.
Kim: "Tom...what do you want?" Kim says rather flippantly because she knows exactly what happened. Tom stares at her intensely, and he's obviously overwhelmed with frustration, worry, and regret. He's trying to collect himself before speaking, and Kim can see the tension and frustration building in him through his words and actions.
"I need to know where she is... I need to talk to her..." He says faintly and anxiously, his hands shaking even as he speaks.
Kim: "You can't talk to her. She's not here." she says and tries to keep walking, but Tom persists. Tom's frustration and anxiety continue to build, and he grabs her arm before she can get too far ahead of him. He's desperate to know where I am, and he can't let her go without asking again.
"I need to speak to her. Tell me where she went!"
Kim: "She's taking some time off. She's not at Hogwarts, and honestly.." Kim now gathers all her courage and looks at him angrily."You don't deserve to talk to her either. "
Tom's face flushes with anger and embarrassment, and her words hit him like a dagger in the heart. He releases his grip on her arm, and his breath hits as he tries to keep his cool. The anger that she must be feeling hits him like a brick, and he tries not to break down.

Kim: "Tom, you know Lucia. She will talk to you at some point, but you can't force her to now." Kim's tone is a little softer now, and she almost feels sorry for Tom. She's glad I can't see him like this now because Kim realizes that Tom looks pretty worn out.
"I know that... I know you're right, but I don't know if she'll come back!" Tom says angrily and impatiently, his hands clenched into fists as his anger and frustration bubbles up. "I just..." He trails off, trying to express his thoughts and emotions. He suddenly feels overwhelmed, and he grits his teeth and grips his fists tightly. He's terrified that he's going to lose me forever, and the thought hurts his heart.
Kim: "Back to Hogwarts? definitely. Back to you? I don't know."

Tom stares at her, his eyes darkening as she confirms his worst fears. He doesn't know what to say, and his heart pounds so loudly in his chest, his breath hitting his lungs like a sledgehammer. He suddenly feels completely hopeless.
Kim: "Don't look at me like that, I can't help you. It's YOUR fault. Don't act like you're the victim here, Tom. " Kim tries to move on again, but Tom runs after her. Tom's fists are still clenched tightly, and she can see the rage and regret in his eyes. He hates that her words strike so true, and he hates that he's caused all of this. Yet, no matter how much he hates himself right now, he still tries to keep going. "Please..." He says softly and gently, reaching out for her arm to try and keep her from leaving. Kim sighs and thinks for a moment
Kim: "I'm going to write Lucia an owl, first thing tomorrow. And I'm going to tell her that you miss her and want to talk to her, okay?" Tom is so overwhelmed with hope and relief that he could tear up. His heart is racing, and he can barely control himself. For a moment, he thinks that everything's going to be alright after all. He nods vigorously and tries to express his gratitude.
"Yes, please." He says softly, and his voice breaks at the same time.
Kim: "I can't do anything else, so can I go to class?" she says, annoyed. Tom's shoulders drop, and his disappointment is evident on his face. But he realizes that he's asking for too much of me, considering what I feel about him right now. He gives her a soft nod, just hoping that she will actually deliver the message he's entrusted her with. He stares at her for a moment before finally letting her go and stepping back.

And that's what Kim did
"Dear Lucia, I really miss you. I hope you've been able to switch off a bit and sort out your thoughts. I have to tell you that I met Tom today, he asked about you and he wants to talk to you and he misses you. Honestly, he looked really exhausted. Come back soon.

Your Kim."

Kim's letter is brief but heartfelt, and she manages to capture the gravity and desperation of the situation perfectly in her words. Her message is brief but clear, and Tom is certain that if I can read that letter, I'll understand what's truly important and hopefully want to come back to Hogwarts. He can only hope that Kim followed through with his request and that he'll get the chance to see Lucia again soon.

I get Kim's letter delivered by her owl that night, and I'm filled with a mix of emotions when I open it. My heart starts pounding as I read Kim's words, and I can't help but think back to everything that's happened in the past few weeks. I feel the mixture of sorrow and anger coming over me, and I'm starting to struggle with my emotions as she rereads the letter and writes an answer

"Dear Kim,
I miss you too. I will come back in 2 days and yes I will talk to Tom. I miss him but what he did..

Well, I'll tell you everything when I get back.

Lucia"

I hope my reply makes Kim feel relieved that she was able to deliver the message in an understandable way. She feels comforted by the fact that I will be coming back soon and that I'm actually willing to talk to Tom. It gives her hope that things will work out eventually, and she's grateful that I'm coming back in just two days. She feels extremely relieved, and she can't help but sigh. She writes back immediately to let me know that everyone is looking forward to having me back.

The time for myself was good, I was able to think and also had an insight. I continued to research all sorts of events but from a different perspective. When I arrive at Hogwarts, it's a bit like coming home, but I still have an uneasy feeling. It's already afternoon, so I go to my dorm room and look for Kim. When Kim sees me, she throws her arms around my neck. Kim was waiting for me, and her face lights up when she saw me. She's genuinely happy that I'm back after all. "Oh, thank heaven. I was starting to worry." She says softly and gently, wrapping her arms around my neck and pulling me close for a tight hug. Both of us have been missing each other immensely, and now we are finally reunited. It's like an explosion of emotion as the two of us hug and embrace each other. Kim couldn't be happier to see me back.
"You're always worried," I say jokingly and hug her back intensely. "How are you?"
Kim laughs softly and nods her head.
"You know me, always worrying. I'm just glad to see you again." She laughs gently, a bit sheepish because she's so relieved to finally have me back in her arms. She holds me tightly and doesn't want to let go, wanting to savor this moment for as long as she can. She looks into my eyes and smiles.
"Tell me, what did I miss while I was away?" I wink at her.
"Oh, not much other than Tom pining for you day and night and not being able to function without a shred of your presence." She says in a playful tone, and her eyes sparkle with laughter as she looks at me. She's also glad to finally be able to see me again, but she has to admit that she's still kind of upset with me for leaving in the first place.
"Is it really so bad?" I look at her worried.
"Yes, it was really bad." She says firmly and seriously, no longer joking around now that she's seen how desperately Tom's missed me, and now that she knows that we truly care about each other.
"I'm going to go and talk to him right away, even if that won't make it any better. Will I see you later at dinner?"
Kim nods her head and smiles warmly at me. "Of course you can talk to him, I was just glad to see you first."
"Yes, I'll see you at dinner. And good luck with the talk." She gives me another warm, supporting smile as she says this.