𝔸𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟 ⟢ 𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕜 𝕆𝕕𝕒𝕚𝕣

- ȶɛռ

June 20th. Two weeks left until the Reaping, and Willa's chest felt tighter with each passing day. The Reaping loomed over her like a shadow, pressing down on her every thought, every movement. At night, she would lie awake, listening to the soft, steady breaths of Katia beside her, drawing comfort from her presence in the quiet darkness. When sleep finally claimed her, Willa found herself instinctively reaching for Katia, clinging to her like a lifeline, her hands gripping Katia's shirt even in her dreams.

Tonight was no different. She lay awake, watching the faint rise and fall of Katia's shoulders as she slept. In the stillness, her fears felt magnified, like shadows stretching across the room. She thought of Clover, of Axel, of the family she'd come to love and protect, and the thought of them facing this world alone filled her with dread.

Willa shifted closer to Katia, burying her face into her shoulder, breathing in her familiar, grounding scent. Even in sleep, Katia seemed to sense Willa's need. She murmured softly, a half-asleep reassurance as her arm instinctively wrapped around Willa, drawing her closer.

"It's okay, lovey," Katia whispered, her voice gentle and slurred with sleep. She didn't open her eyes, but her hand found Willa's, giving it a comforting squeeze. Willa's breath hitched, her fear loosening ever so slightly.

"I'm just... I'm so scared, Katia. What if... what if—" she felt like someone or something was suffocating her. Katia shifted, propping herself up on one elbow and gazing down at Willa with half-lidded, gentle eyes.

"Don't go there, Willa. We're not alone, remember? Whatever happens, we'll face it together," Katia reassured her. Willa closed her eyes, letting Katia's words settle over her like a blanket. She wanted to believe it—to let herself feel the safety Katia was trying to wrap her in. But the looming uncertainty of the Reaping clung to her like a shadow, whispering of risks and losses she couldn't bear to consider.

"You don't have to carry all this by yourself, you know? Let me share the weight," Katia stroked Willa's hair, her touch light and soothing. Willa swallowed, her throat tight, but she nodded, relaxing against Katia as best she could. She let herself lean into the strength Katia offered, letting her fears rest, if only for a moment. It was a fragile peace, held together by whispered reassurances and shared breaths, but in Katia's arms, Willa felt that maybe—just maybe—they could face whatever was coming. Eventually, Katia's soft hums and gentle touch lulled Willa into sleep. She drifted off, her hand still entwined with Katia's, her fears quieted, if only for the night. And in that fragile peace, Willa allowed herself to hope—to believe that, no matter what the Reaping brought, she wouldn't be facing it alone.

⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧

Willa awoke to the first soft light of dawn filtering through the window, painting the room in gentle hues of gold and pink. The warmth beside her was a welcome reminder of the night before, of Katia's unwavering presence in her darkest hours. For a moment, the dread that usually lingered in the pit of her stomach felt muted, softened by the feel of Katia's arm still draped over her. Katia stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she noticed Willa watching her. A sleepy smile crept onto her face, and she reached up to brush a stray lock of hair from Willa's forehead.

"Good morning, lovey," she murmured, her voice husky with sleep. Willa managed a soft smile.

"Morning," she replied, her voice steadier than she expected. She wanted to tell Katia how much last night had meant to her, how she didn't know how she would've managed without her, but the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she simply squeezed Katia's hand, hoping the gesture would convey what she couldn't say. Katia's eyes held a knowing warmth, and she gave Willa's hand a gentle squeeze in return.