The Dead Among Us

65. Quit While You're Ahead

    Fabia's POV

    My heart is in pieces.

    Benji's grudge, it's been there all along. She was broken long before Bri's news.

    I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss between her and Sabin. Why did I let the chance to talk to Sabin about it slip away?

    But her bitterness towards Kenji still remains a puzzle...

    I observe Sabin as he cradles his face in his hands, his exasperation evident. Despite his frustration, his demeanor is noticeable without remorse. I think he believes he did the right thing by scaring the boy off.

    In his defense, Benji has yet to get in huge trouble again, like the lighter or stage.

I cautiously approach the bed, carefully maneuvering around Kenji's legs. His eyes follow my every move as I climb onto the bed and extend my arms toward Benji.

    A profound sense of relief washes over me as she responds, snuggling into my embrace.

    I steal a glance at Kenji, sensing that he, too, could use some comfort. I want to find out what's weighing on his heart, too, after this. I can only help one at a time properly. 

    Unexpectedly, Sabin enters the room. He reaches out to Kenji, pulling him into a tight, loving hug. Leaning in close, Sabin whispers softly into Kenji's ear, his words barely audible.

    I catch fragments of his gentle reassurances, including "I love you," "Please talk to me more," and "I need a minute with Benji."

    Kenji's response is immediate. He nods, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, and whispers, "I love you too."

    After a poignant moment, Sabin releases Kenji from the hug with a tender yet assertive pat on his back. He turns towards us, and I sense Benji tensing in my arms.

    As Kenji exits the room and gently closes the door behind him, Sabin takes a seat on the edge of the bed.

    "Benji, come here, please," Sabin says softly, his voice carrying a tinge of concern as he watches her reaction.

    "No!" she blurts out instantly, burying her face even deeper into my body, her arms wrapping tightly around me.

    "Baby girl—"

    "Don't call me that!" she squeals, her voice muffled from digging her face into his chest, her body tensing with defiance.

    Sabin sighs, a mixture of guilt crossing his features as he realizes the impact of his actions.

    "Please..." he tries again, his voice taking on a soothing, delicate tone as he reaches out to tenderly scratch her back, hoping to offer comfort in the midst of their emotional exchange.

    When she realizes the touch isn't from me, she quickly wriggles out of my embrace and retreats under the blankets, distancing herself from both of us.

    Sabin attempts to pull the covers down, but she defiantly pulls them back up, emitting an angry grunt.

    This back-and-forth continues until she hastily emerges from the blanket and tries to make a run for the door.

    He grabs her so fast it's startling, and I'm pretty sure another Manny tooth incident is on our hands the way she screams and whips her head back full force.

    He knew it was coming, though, and readily dodged his head to the side, avoiding impact.

     But now she's really mad. She starts shrieking and fighting against his grasp, and he does what Jon did, crossing her arms across her chest in an X and pinning her to himself.