𝔸𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕟 ⟢ 𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕜 𝕆𝕕𝕒𝕚𝕣

- ȶɦɨʀȶɛɛռ

July 4th. The morning sun barely pierced through the thick layer of gray clouds, casting a muted, somber light over District 2. Willa had woken early, unable to sleep as the dread of the day settled heavily in her chest. She clung to every second with Katia and the kids, her heart aching with every laugh and smile, knowing this could be one of their last mornings together. She'd spent the morning helping Fallon with breakfast, watching as Clover smeared berry jam across her face in a silly attempt to eat her toast. Axel, meanwhile, had been unusually quiet, his small hands clutching the edge of the table as he watched her with wide, solemn eyes. Willa felt her heart break a little more every time she looked at him. He didn't understand what the day meant, but he understood that his Auntie was sad, anxious.

As she cleared the plates, Katia joined her at the sink, brushing her hand against Willa's in silent reassurance. They didn't need words to understand what was going through each other's minds. Willa felt the warmth of Katia's presence, the comfort she'd come to rely on, and she squeezed her hand back, willing herself to keep it together.

"Come outside with me?" Katia asked softly, nodding toward the door. Willa glanced back at the kids, who were now playing with Fallon, giggling as he lifted Clover up high. She smiled sadly and nodded, following Katia out to the porch. The morning air was cool, a sharp contrast to the heaviness in her chest. They sat down on the steps, their shoulders touching, neither one willing to break the silence. Finally, Katia took a deep breath, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

"You're stronger than you know, Willa," she murmured, her voice steady. "No matter what happens today... just remember that."

Willa swallowed, her throat tight as she nodded. She looked down at her hands, trying to absorb the weight of Katia's words. But fear crept into the edges of her mind, a gnawing worry that clung to her heart.

"I just... I don't want to leave you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"I know, lovey. I don't want that either. But we're here now, together. That's what matters," Katia wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. Willa leaned into her, her eyes stinging as she blinked back tears.

"Promise you'll look after them? Clover and Axel... they need you. You're their Mama after all," Willa murmured.

"I promise. I'll take care of them, Willa. And I'll be here, waiting, when you come back," Katia's grip tightened, her gaze fierce. They sat in silence, the world around them still and quiet. Willa could hear the faint sounds of Clover's laughter from inside, and for a moment, she let herself pretend this was just another ordinary day. But it wasn't. Willa pulled back, her heart hammering as she looked at Katia. She felt as if she were suspended in a fragile moment, one that could shatter with a single breath.

"I should go," she whispered, her voice trembling. Katia reached up, brushing a strand of hair from Willa's face.

"You're going to be alright. Just remember who you are, and why you're doing this," Katia reassured her. Willa nodded, drawing in a shaky breath as she stood. She took one last look at Katia, memorizing the warmth in her eyes, the softness of her smile. She wanted to hold onto this image, to carry it with her as a talisman against the fear that threatened to consume her. As she turned to leave, Katia reached out, catching her hand.

"I love you, Willa," Katia hummed. Willa looked back, her own eyes filling with tears.

"I love you too, Katia. More than anything," she whispered. With that, she pulled away, steeling herself as she walked back into the house. Clover and Axel were waiting by the door, their small faces filled with confusion and worry. Willa knelt down, pulling them both into a tight hug, her heart breaking at the thought of leaving them behind.