Sad Moon

Chapter 4: Drivel - 4

A week had passed since that night, and although time continued its relentless march, fear still nestled deep within Ravenna. It was there, beneath her skin, invading her thoughts, making her feel vulnerable with every step she took. Despite her attempts to appear normal, the nightmares persisted, and the invisible scars left by Rowan continued to bleed. Now, accompanied by Gideon, Havel, and Selene, she stood outside the director's office, where the air felt charged with a tension that was hard to ignore. The suppressed anger on her companions' faces echoed her own feelings.

The office door opened, and the director peered out.

—Ravenna— he said in a monotone voice, inviting her inside.

With a knot in her stomach, she crossed the threshold, sensing that the atmosphere within the office was even denser than outside. As she sat down in front of the desk, the director watched her with a calmness that felt almost offensive.

—I'm truly sorry for what happened to you— he began, his tone soft but devoid of sincerity, as if he were merely reciting a script.

Ravenna said nothing. Empty compassion alleviated nothing; she needed answers, action.

—Rowan has awakened— the director continued after a brief silence.

The news hit her like an unexpected blow. Her body tensed. Her mind, filled with questions, fixated on one: What would they do with him?

—What's going to happen to him?— Her voice trembled, yet carried a repressed fury.

The director weighing his words carefully said:

—I believe that, given his condition, he has already suffered enough punishment—

Incredulity flooded Ravenna. The director's words felt absurd, almost insulting. Enough punishment? What did that mean? How could it be fair after everything that had happened?

—Enough punishment?— she repeated, feeling her anger swell. —What do you mean?—

The director leaned forward, an attempt at empathy.

—Rowan has suffered severe damage. He has lost much of his ability to speak coherently, has involuntary movements, and at times, his mind seems to disconnect—

As she listened, something strange began to take shape inside Ravenna. A darker part of her felt a twisted satisfaction knowing Rowan would never be the same again. However, that feeling of satisfaction was not enough to erase what he had done to her. Physical justice did not heal the invisible wounds that still throbbed within her.

Her hands clenched in her lap, emotions wrestling to surface.

—None of this will change what you experienced, Ravenna— the director said, as if reading her thoughts, —but I believe there is a way to help you process your emotions—

Ravenna lifted her gaze, incredulity in her eyes. How could he help her? What could he offer that would mend what was broken?

—What do you mean?— she asked, a mix of skepticism and curiosity coloring her tone.

The director studied her intently before speaking.

—Close your eyes—

Reluctantly, Ravenna obeyed. The silence in the room grew dense, heavy.

—Now, take a deep breath— the director instructed. —Focus on feeling the air flow through your body with each inhalation—

Though she hesitated at first, she began to follow his instructions, inhaling deeply. Initially, all she felt was discomfort, but gradually, her mind began to clear. With each breath, the tension in her body began to ease.

—Feel what surrounds you— he continued. —The cold air entering through the window, the creaking wood beneath your feet, the dim light of the candles—

Ravenna complied. For the first time in days, she allowed herself to feel everything around her. The cold air on her skin, the faint creaking of the wood, the flicker of the candles. Her mind started to focus on those small details, pulling her away from the chaos that had invaded her thoughts.

—Can you feel it?— the director asked in a whisper.

In that moment, something subtle coursed through her skin, a barely perceptible tingle that sent a shiver down her spine. It was a soft, warm energy that enveloped her body like a comforting embrace. The tension in her shoulders began to dissolve, and for the first time in weeks, Ravenna felt something close to peace.

—Open your eyes— the director said.

Ravenna obeyed, her mind still immersed in that strange calm. Everything felt different, as if the world around her had slowed down.

—Whenever you feel lost or overwhelmed, do this— the director said, his tone now gentler. —Meditation will help you find your way, even when you can't see it—

Ravenna nodded slowly, unsure of how to interpret what she had just experienced. She stood when the director indicated she could leave, but the sensation of that warm energy lingered as she exited the office. Confusion remained, but now a new curiosity had taken root within her. What was that faint energy? And more importantly, how could she harness it to face what was still to come?