Broken Pieces

CHAPTER {19}

AKARI

The human mind is truly the scariest thing of all. It can be your bestest friend or your greatest enemy. It has the ability to manipulate your reality. To make things that aren't there seem as if they were. To make you hear things that weren't said. I think about this a lot, what's real and what's not. This caused me to isolate myself, choosing my thoughts over socializing.

There's a pain that comes with being alone. The fear that everyone hates you, knowing that no one will ever care for you. The pain gets so overwhelming you become numb, physically and especially mentally. For a while you won't feel anything, just a mindless void of flesh and bones.

"Akari?" My thoughts were cut off by a voice, I looked up and locked eyes with Alexandros through the rear view mirror as we made our way to the hospital for my appointment. I looked back at my lap, "How you feeling?" He asked and I didn't respond still looking at my lap. I did want to respond but like I said, a mindless void. It was as if his words were going into my ears but not reaching my mind to formulate a coherent response.

I heard him let out a sigh, "I know I haven't been the best at being your brother, but I want to try. I realized that, treating you like shit is not going to erase my trauma or make me feel any better." He said and I still stared at my lap. I tried to open my mouth to respond but nothing came out causing me to close my mouth.

"I just want you to know that, if you ever need to talk, I'm here for you. Always." He went on, the last part with a more serious tone and he stopped the car and turned in his seat to look at me. "I'm really sorry for being a dick, Akari," he said as his eyebrows furrowed in sincerity.

I was finally free from whatever that was and looked up and nodded. "Words, Akari." He said unbuckling his seatbelt, "I forgive you." I responded mimicking his actions and unbuckling my seatbelt as well. We both got out of the car and walked towards the hospital doors.

It was another long hour and it was time to leave. "She has been healing well but I noticed a bit of swelling on her ankle but it's not too serious for her to go back to the cast but if it does get worse, please come to us immediately. For now, make sure she keeps her leg elevated, this might reduce the swelling." The doctor informed Alexandros as I trailed behind.

He turned to me, "Akari, you did good today, if you keep up the pace, you'll be healed in no time." He says smiling brightly which made me envy how easily he did it. I nodded and we continued to walk, the doctor and Alexandros continued to converse.

Finally, we were walking out the door and towards the car. I froze when a sudden bang echoed through the air. It was as if everything was moving in slow motion, I looked to my side and Alexandros was gripping his thigh tightly and he pulled out something for the back of his coat.

I didn't get to fully analyze it as I heard another bang, this time it was closer to me, I assume it from what Alexandros was holding making me realize, it was a gun. Suddenly, a sharp pain spread from my right arm to the rest of my entire body.

It was a pain I had never felt before. A pain I could never get used to. I dropped to my knees and clutched my arm tightly. I didn't let out a sound but surely tears brimmed my eyes. Another bang echoed in my ears, I was sweating as I was trying to keep myself from crying. I was losing so much blood even as I put pressure on my wound.

I began to breathe heavily, everything seemed so loud. My heartbeat, the bangs, Alexandros calling my name. I could hear everything at the same time and it became overwhelming. "Akari!" My name was screamed what seemed to be a million times but was only once.

My vision blurred but this time not from tears. I was slowly losing consciousness as I felt hands touch me and I was now fully enveloped in darkness.

~~~~~~~~~

Are you afraid of the dark?

Monsters lurking in the corner, waiting for you to put your guard down. I for one love the dark. The darkness was my best friend. I was comfortable in the dark, I could cry and get comfort, I could scream out my problems and not be judged for being weak as other people have been through worse.

The dark was a place I could never escape, never share, the darkness was mine and mine alone. I hissed as I opened my eyes to see the bright light of the room. I immediately closed my eyes and I heard a click which I assumed was the light switch. My assumption was proven right as I opened my eyes and saw darkness, with the faint light of sunlight shining through the closed curtain.

I made out a bulky silhouette which I realized was Domenico's. He sat down in the chair beside the bed which reminded me of the first time I met him. He ran his fingers through his hair and back down his face. Even with the lack of light, you could see his sullen face that I knew all too well.

"I'm sorry, Akari" he said softly and I was confused as to what he was apologizing for. "I didn't protect you well enough. They attacked you and you got hurt and it was all my fault. I should have been there, God, I'm such a bad brother. I couldn't eve-" he went on but I cut him off.

"Domenico, it's not your fault." I said as I watched him lift his head from his hands and look at me, "But I-" he tried to speak but I cut him off again, "It's not your fault." I repeated to him. I needed to let him know because if I didn't, he'd spiral and with his lack of sleep evident on his face, he'd literally pass out, I know from experience.

He let out a sigh, "I want you to be able to protect yourself, Akari because I'm not always going to be there, like yesterday. I don't want you to get hurt so I'll teach you how to handle a gun. Is that okay with you?" He asked while looking at me for a reaction but as usual my face remained bare.

I knew it was better for me to be able to handle a gun at least for when I feel threatened. I nodded and said, "It's okay." He nodded and stood up, "Get some rest, you'll be discharged tomorrow." With that, he walked out the room and it felt like I was already slipping into darkness and I welcomed it with a smile.