running [h.s]

eight

I walk fast down the busy streets. Things are blurred around me, I'm lost in my thoughts. I don't process anything around me. Everything is black and white.

"Zahara," someones says beyond the crowd. I look around, trying to find the voice. My heart stops when I spot a pair of green eyes making their way toward me. I turn to leave but they say, "wait up."

A hand grabs my wrist and my neck is straining. I turn to face the familiar green eyes that bring back so many memories.

"Zahara," she says, trying to catch her breathe. I open my mouth to say something but nothing comes out. "I haven't seen you in awhile." She says.

I nod my head and look down. "I've just been caught up with things." I say. She nods her head, understanding.

We stay silent until she speaks up again. "How have you been?" She says softly, cautious even. I've been terrible, but of course I don't say that. So I just tell her that I'm fine.

"I'm sorry about what happened." She says after awhile, which surprises me. My throat is burning from holding back tears and I look down again.

"I'm sorry too." My voice cracks but at this point, I don't care. She gives me a sad smile and nods at me, then walks away.

I stand there for a while. Processing what happened.

I remember when I first met Sarah. You brought me to your parents house, it was my first time meeting them.

When I saw Sarah, I was in awe. You both looked so much alike. So much alike, but so different.

She was bubbly and happy. You were lost and sad.

Were you once bubbly and happy, Harry? What made you so lost and sad? I have so many questions that will never be answered.

Sarah used to have this twinkle in her eyes, the one that you had sometimes.

It's the twinkle that makes you smile. Because seeing something so beautiful, how could you not? Genuine happiness. That's what it was.

But now her eyes look dull. Ever since you left, that twinkle has seemed to vanish. Can't you see what you've done, Harry?

All of us are messed up, some in different ways. But, some are just a little more messed up than others.