Echoes of Wonderland

Chasing Cars

Chloe's POV

Hours crawl by in the cabin, each minute feeling like an eternity. The fire has burned down to a bed of glowing embers, casting a dim light that dances weakly on the walls. Despite the warmth of the blankets, I can't shake the coldness that clings to my bones. I've been tossing and turning in bed, unable to find any rest. My mind is restless, racing with thoughts I can't escape.

From the living room, I hear Red shift on the couch, the faint rustle of the blanket and a quiet sigh that pierces the silence. I know I should stay in bed—Red wanted to sleep on the couch, she made that decision—but every instinct in me is screaming to be near her, to make sure she's okay. I can't ignore the way my heart clenches at the thought of her out there, alone and hurting.

Unable to fight the urge any longer, I slip out of bed, tiptoeing across the cold floor. As I reach the doorway, I see Red lying on the couch, staring up at the ceiling, her eyes wide open and tired, but refusing to close. Her face is streaked with tears, and my heart breaks at the sight. I can see how much this is tearing her apart, and it kills me to think that she's going through this alone.

- Red? - I whisper, trying not to startle her.

She blinks, looking over at me in surprise, as if she didn't expect me to want to be around her after everything that happened today.

- I'm sorry, did I wake you? I just couldn't sleep. - Red says, her voice soft, almost embarrassed.

- Neither could I. - I admit, moving to sit beside her on the couch.

There's a silence that fills the space between us, heavy with unspoken words and lingering emotions. I can feel Red's surprise, the way her body tenses slightly as I sit so close.

- Why can't you sleep? - I ask gently, not wanting to push but needing to understand what's going on in her head.

Red's eyes flicker to the dying embers in the fireplace, the light casting faint shadows on her tear-streaked face.

- I just... I couldn't stop replaying everything that happened today. - She whispers, her voice barely audible.

I can see how much this is weighing on her, how deeply it's affecting her, and it tears me apart.

- What about you? - Red asks, trying to shift the focus away from herself.

I hesitate, my eyes drifting to the bedroom door before settling on my hands, which are fidgeting nervously in my lap.

- I can't bring myself to sleep without you by my side. - I confess, feeling a flush of vulnerability.

Red sighs, the sound heavy with uncertainty. I know she doesn't want to cross any boundaries, but I can't stand the distance between us, not tonight.

- I keep thinking about how awful all of this must be for you, how terrible you must feel. I'm so sorry, Red. I'm sorry all of this happened, and I'm sorry I reacted the way I did earlier. I know I said things I didn't mean, and it wasn't fair to you. - I say, the words spilling out as I try to make sense of everything that's happened.

Red lets out a small, sad laugh, remembering how strict I usually am about language.

- You, cussing. That's how I knew it was bad. - Red says.

I smile, but it's faint, shadowed by the worry gnawing at me.

- I'm sorry I lost it, Chlo. Sorry I scared you. - Her voice is so genuine, so full of regret, and it's like a knife twisting in my chest.

- You didn't scare me, Red. I mean, yes, I was afraid, but not of you. I was afraid for you. I can't stand the thought of you suffering like this. - I say, my voice trembling with the intensity of my feelings.