Havenfell

Chapter 25: The Slow Loss of Sanity

The group had spent the evening immersed in laughter and memories; their spirits temporarily lifted. Felicity felt a sense of camaraderie, a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that had shadowed their lives since arriving in Havenfell. Yet, as the hours passed, Felicity noticed a growing unease. Bree and Juno had quietly slipped away, their absence casting a subtle pall over the room.

Felicity's heart quickened. The absence of her friends gnawed at her, a creeping dread rising in her chest. She glanced around at the others, but before she could voice her concern, a piercing scream shattered the tranquillity.

The sound sliced through the air, raw and filled with agony. It was unmistakably Juno's voice. Everyone froze, the laughter dying on their lips. Bree burst into the room, her eyes wide with panic. "Felicity, come with me," she urged, grabbing Felicity's arm and pulling them towards the staircase.

They rushed up the stairs, their footsteps echoing in the narrow corridor. Felicity's mind raced, fear and confusion clouding their thoughts. They reached the room Bree and Felicity shared, and the door stood ajar. Inside, Juno was crumpled on the floor, a bottle of vodka clutched in one trembling hand, her face streaked with tears.

Felicity's heart broke at the sight. Juno, normally so full of life, looked utterly shattered. She was sobbing hysterically, her body shaking with each gasping breath. Bree moved quickly, running to the bathroom to start a hot shower, leaving Felicity to comfort their friend.

Felicity knelt beside Juno, gently taking the bottle from her hand and setting it aside. "Juno, what happened?" they asked softly, their voice trembling with concern.

Juno looked up, her eyes red and swollen. She clung to Felicity, burying her face in their shoulder. "My mom," she choked out between sobs. "She's dead, Fliss. They sent me a picture... her body... I can't... I can't lose anyone else."

Felicity's breath caught in their throat. They held Juno tighter, stroking her hair, trying to offer some semblance of comfort. "I'm so sorry, Juno. I'm so, so sorry."

Juno continued to sob, her words coming out in a torrent of grief and guilt. "I promised you I'd try to get better, to sober up. I promised, and I broke it. I'm so scared, Fliss. I'm so scared of losing you, of losing everyone."

Felicity's own eyes filled with tears as they held Juno. "It's okay," they whispered. "You're not alone. We're here for you. We'll get through this together."

Bree returned, her face pale but determined. "The shower's ready," she said softly, helping Felicity guide Juno to her feet. They led her to the bathroom, the steam already filling the small space. Juno stepped under the hot water, her sobs slowly subsiding as the warmth enveloped her.

Felicity and Bree stood outside the bathroom, giving Juno a moment of privacy. The weight of everything pressed down on them, the reality of their situation sinking in even deeper. Bree leaned against the wall; her eyes filled with unshed tears.

"I'm sorry," Bree whispered, her voice barely audible. "I should have been there for you more. For both of you. I was so wrapped up in my own world, in Alex..."

Felicity reached out, taking Bree's hand. "We all have our struggles," they said gently. "What matters is that we're here now, for each other."

Bree nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I'm so scared, Felicity. I don't want to lose anyone else. Poppy... now Juno's mom... it's all too much."

Felicity squeezed her hand, offering what little comfort they could. "We'll get through this. Together."

Juno emerged from the bathroom, her hair damp, and her eyes still red but calmer. She looked at Felicity and Bree, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you," she said quietly, her voice hoarse. "For everything."

The three of them sat together, sharing their grief and their fears. They talked about loss, about the pain that seemed to follow them wherever they went. They spoke of Poppy, of the memories they cherished, and the love they had for her.

In that moment, despite the horrors that surrounded them, they found a sense of solace in each other. It was a fragile, tenuous peace, but it was enough to give them the strength to face another day. As they held each other, the bond between them grew stronger, forged in the fires of their shared pain and unwavering support.