Unlikely Love

20

The room is dimly lit, shadows dancing along the walls as a thunderstorm rages outside. Rain lashes against the windows, creating a rhythmic symphony that underscores the weight of silence within.

A clock ticks relentlessly, marking nearly three hours since Xisuma left to talk to someone else—his lackeys now tasked with checking in on me. Frustration builds as I recall Keralis, one of the few faces that have come to check on me. I know I shouldn’t resent them; they’re just following orders. But all I want is to see my brother.

My bed, unmade and untouched, becomes a prison of my own making. I sit on the edge, staring blankly at the stark white walls, the muted color suffocating me. Time drips slowly as my thoughts spiral. I grip my knees, the weight of my emotions pressing down, each tick of the clock amplifying my anger and disappointment.

The storm outside swells, a crack of thunder rumbling ominously. I rise, drawn to the window, the chaotic world beyond reflecting my inner turmoil. I press my forehead against the cool glass, breathing in the scent of rain and longing for the comfort of family. Just as despair starts to settle in, a soft pitter-pattering pulls me back from the edge.

The door swings open, and in bounds a familiar dog—his fur wet from the rain, eyes gleaming with excitement. It’s as if a spark of light has burst into my dim world. He races toward the window, tail wagging furiously, a joyful energy that momentarily lifts the heavy veil of sadness around me.

I drop to my knees, laughter bubbling up as I scoop him into my arms. His warmth is a reminder of everything I’ve missed, a connection to the brother who built this home for me, who cares—somewhere, deep down. I hug my dog tightly, burying my face in his fur as the storm rages outside, a testament to my chaotic feelings. Yet in this moment, there is peace.

The person waiting by the door, watching me, was Wels. I could feel his blue eyes piercing into me, like I had done something wrong. I stayed quiet, focusing on petting Mark, who I finally took a moment to recognize was Mark 3. My dog had apparently died three times, and someone had tried to replace him with an exact copy. It hit me—I'd been gone for too long.

“Dogs don’t live forever. I put on his proper collar so you would understand,” Wels said, his voice low but laced with quiet anger. “Hels didn’t want you to know. He’s worried about you. He doesn’t even know you’re back.”

“Good,” I replied, feeling the bitterness rise within me. “I’m still sick anyway. Xisuma pulled me back from the void this time.” I continued to stroke the wet fur, avoiding his gaze.

“Xisuma isn’t the one who wanted you back. Hels is.” Wels stepped forward, his frustration barely contained. “He’s struggling, you know. He cares about you, and you just... abandoned him.”

I scoffed, shrugging off the weight of his words. “He’ll manage. He has you, and it’s not like my presence was life-altering anyway.”

Wels shook his head, his blue eyes flashing with a mix of hurt and anger. “You think that? You think throwing yourself into the void to ignore your feelings is the answer? It’s not just about you, Xavier. You can’t keep hiding from what you feel. You can’t keep hurting people just because you’re afraid.”

I felt the tension in the air, thick and suffocating. Wels's quiet fury was almost tangible, and it made me uneasy. “I didn’t ask for this,” I muttered, the words slipping out more bitterly than intended.

Wels took a step closer, lowering his voice. “No, but you made your choice. And now you’re back. So stop pushing people away. You’re not the only one who’s been suffering.”

His words lingered in the air as I turned my gaze back to Mark, the weight of my choices heavy on my shoulders. I could feel the storm outside mirrored in the turmoil brewing inside me.