Separated in the Phantoms

Chapter 23

I couldn’t sleep. The grass was soft and all, but something kept me awake. Well, not something. It were the memories of the day my dad found out mom was murdered. I saw that day flash before my eyes as if I was reliving it.
My dad walked in. I was sitting on the ground, busy drawing a picture. For mom. I turned to hug them both, but only dad came in. I could see he was sad. Really sad. I asked him what was wrong. He sniffed, trying to stay strong. Then, he dropped the bomb: he told me mom was dead. I was confused, saying that was impossible. Dad cried a little and I realised she was really gone. I broke down in tears and hugged dad. He swore he would never get involved with Graves ever again.
I sat up straight as the memory started playing again.  I stood up and walked a little, leaving my two sleeping friends behind me. I reached a pond. I sat down on a log when I heard soft little footsteps. It were Bo and Mo. They stayed here when Faith, Torin and I left for the Caves of Doom. They waddled towards me and sat beside me, Mo left and Bo right. I sighed and looked up at the stars. I felt the two little creatures snuggle against me. I looked down at them and smiled. Adorable. I picked up a smooth stone from the ground. It had a perfect oval shape and it shimmered all the colours of the rainbow. I looked over at the pond. I petted both my little friends and stood up. I collected a few more stones and started throwing them on the pond. They all bounced halfway through the pond before they sank. I sighed.
“Let’s head back, little ones.” I said, turning my head to Mo and Bo who were still sitting on the log. They jumped off and followed me back to our campsite. When I arrived, I noticed that Torin and Faith weren’t where I left them. Confused, I started looking. They weren’t anywhere on the plains, so I started examining the woods closeby. A little deeper into the woods, I heard a guy and girl talking. Thinking they were Torin and Faith, I walked closer. The talking stopped, but I had already determined where it came from. I sighed and pushed away the leaves. I gasped. My eyes widened and I felt extreme sadness wash over me. I saw Faith kissing Torin. They pulled away and tears filled my eyes. Before any of them could say anything, I ran off. I ran past the cliff in a haze of tears. I heard the sound of the waves crashing against the stone cliffs. I stopped and stared at the dark water. I suddenly heard Torin yell. I turned back to them. I saw Torin and Faith, arguing at the edge of the cliff. I was close enough to hear what they were saying.
“Why did you do that, Faith!?” Torin yelled.
“I-I’m sorry. I thought you felt the same.” Faith sounded as she was at the brink of tears. Torin dug his hands in his hair. Faith managed to stutter multiple apologies. Suddenly, Torin lashed out at Faith.
“You shouldn’t kiss people without their consent!” He yelled. His sudden anger scared Faith and she stumbled back, standing very close to the edge of the cliff. My eyes widened and I ran back. Torin didn’t seem to notice how close to the edge she was and just kept on screaming at her, forcing her to walk closer towards the edge. I arrived quicker than expected. Torin looked furious.
“You are so weird! Why would you do this!?” He yelled. Faith stumbled and fell. I lunged forward and grabbed her hand. I heard Torin gasp. I hold her hand so tight.
“H-hold on, Faith!” I said. I saw the fear in her eyes.
“R-ruby! Help!” She exclaimed. And I tried. I really tried. But, slowly but surely, her hand started to slip. I tried to hold on but I couldn’t. Her hand slipped out of mine and she screamed as she fell down on the rocks near the sea.