Why I Won't Forget You

Forget

Clarke pulled away from Dany, her earlier vulnerability replaced by a flash of irritation. The mention of Noah, especially at this moment, felt like salt in a wound she'd been trying so hard to keep from reopening.

"Don't act like everything's fine, Dany," Clarke muttered, her voice tinged with bitterness. "Noah's gone, and nothing's ever going to be the same."

Dany sighed, recognizing the shift in Clarke's mood but understanding it all too well. "I'm not saying it's fine, Clarke. I know it's not. But you have to let yourself feel something other than anger and pain. That's all I'm trying to say."

Clarke didn't respond, just kicked at the ground, her frustration simmering just beneath the surface. She knew Dany meant well, but it didn't make the words any easier to hear. Everything had changed since Noah's death, and she wasn't sure she'd ever be able to find her way back to feeling anything close to normal.

After a moment, Dany broke the tense silence. "You know what? Let's just get out of here. How about we head to the docks? Luna's dad has the food truck there today. We can help out, chill for a bit before we all separate for school."

Clarke looked at Dany, still feeling the anger and pain swirling inside her, but the idea of going to the docks brought a small sense of relief. It was a place where she could distract herself, even if just for a little while. She nodded, stuffing her hands into her pockets. "Yeah, fine. Let's go."

They made their way back to the others, who were still sitting by the lake, trying to give Clarke space. When they saw the two girls returning, they looked up, curious but cautious.

"We're heading to the docks," Dany said, addressing the group. "Luna, I'm assuming your dad's still there with the food truck?"

Luna nodded, her eyes flicking between Clarke and Dany, trying to read the situation. "Yeah, he should be there for a few more hours. Want some company?"

Dany glanced at Clarke, who gave a small shrug. "Sure, why not."

The group got up and started heading toward the docks, the mood still a bit subdued but slightly lighter now that they had a new destination. The docks were usually a lively place, with boats bobbing in the water and people milling about, grabbing food from the various vendors. Clarke hoped the change of scenery would help ease the tension she still felt inside.

When they arrived, Luna's dad greeted them with a wave from the food truck, a smile on his face. "Hey, kids! Good to see you all. You here to help out or just grab a bite?"

"Both," Luna said with a grin, hopping up to the truck. "What do you need?"

Luna's dad chuckled and started giving them tasks, letting them help out with taking orders, serving food, and keeping things running smoothly. It was the kind of busy work that allowed Clarke to focus on something other than the chaos in her mind.

As the hours passed, the group found a rhythm, chatting and laughing as they worked. Clarke's mood began to lift, the physical activity and lighthearted banter helping to take the edge off her earlier anger. It wasn't a solution, but it was a temporary reprieve, and for now, that was enough.

At one point, Clarke found herself alone near the water's edge, taking a moment to breathe. The sound of the waves lapping against the docks was calming, and she closed her eyes, letting the tension in her shoulders slowly release.

Dany joined her after a few minutes, standing silently by her side. She didn't say anything, just offered her presence as a quiet support. Clarke appreciated it more than she could express, even if she wasn't ready to admit it out loud.

After a while, Clarke spoke, her voice softer than before. "Thanks, Dany. For bringing me here. I needed this."

Dany nodded a small smile on her lips. "Anytime, Clarke. You know I'm always here for you."