Hellbound Hearts

24. That Night

Even though my shift officially ended, I decide to help prepare the shop for tomorrow after returning from our walk. Arthur and Elle have disappeared somewhere, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

As I clean the counter, my mind drifts to Cody and our blossoming friendship. Snippets of today's conversations replay in my mind, warming my cheeks.

I pat my face a couple of times, but the cool touch of my palms only intensifies the heat. Focused on calming the redness, I don't notice Arthur sneaking up beside me.

"What happened to you?" he asks, a slight mocking tone in his voice.

I glare at him, but he just grins widely, and I notice a piece of lettuce stuck between his front teeth.

"Before you make faces, clean your teeth," I sigh, meticulously wiping the cups. "And what are you even talking about?"

Arthur quickly digs around his teeth.

"You and Cody. Since when are you so close that you'd wander around together?" his smile widens, forming small wrinkles around his green eyes. "Do you think no one noticed?"

I eye him, knowing he won't give up easily and will probably interrogate me until he gets the answer he wants.

"Don't know," I mumble. "We just started talking more. Besides, he's a much better friend than you are."

Arthur isn't offended. The corners of his mouth stay upturned.

"I save your ass day in and day out, and you trade me for a younger guy," he says, playfully punching my shoulder.

I can't help but snort. I set aside the cloth and lean against the table. Arthur does the same.

"You know I'll always owe you," I say, nudging him with my shoulder. "But Cody is interesting. This kind of connection is new."

Arthur nods, understandingly.

"Seems like fresh young blood is doing you some good, even in such strange circumstances."

"Your old hot blood was more than enough," I reply with a smile. "Wasn't looking for new acquaintances."

Arthur stands quietly for a moment.

"When I became a hunter, I thought I wouldn't get involved in earthly matters more than necessary. But people can't be alone, no matter how much they try. One or two friendships won't hurt." he shrugs. "After all, it's important to fit into that 'normal' world too."

I'm surprised by his rather mature words. Lately, I've heard more complaints and curses than anything deep.

"Probably," I agree after a moment of hesitation. "I'm glad at least Kaja is doing well."

Arthur sighs deeply.

"For adults, everything always seems more complicated than it is. Every encounter, every decision, every opportunity involves endless overthinking. Kaja hasn't fallen into that trap yet, so it would've been cruel not to give her a chance to find herself. I still remember how Eleonora and I secretly cried the first night she came to the bookstore. It was hard to understand why such a burden had to fall on a child's shoulders."

"Why didn't anyone invite me to this crying session?" I raise an eyebrow. "Am I not part of the complex-thinking adult club?"

Arthur snorts.

"Not only are you part of it, you surpass it. Jokes aside, your arrival was on a whole other level. It looked like your entire world had shattered, and I couldn't bear the look in your eyes. How was I supposed to comfort someone who didn't even remember why they were hurting so much?"

I realize that new experiences have gradually faded the memory of that day. No matter how much I try, the fragments don't come together as a whole.

"You really don't remember?" Arthur sounds surprised.

I shake my head.

"I know how I ended up here, but everything else is blurry."

Arthur thinks for a moment.

"You showed up in the middle of the night, during a terrible downpour. While I was running around looking for dry clothes for you, you quietly sobbed on the sofa," he nods toward the back of the hall. "That image is so deeply etched in my memory I could recount every detail. It was horrible to see you like that."

Spurred by his words, the moments gradually come to life, but I still can't recall how I felt at the time. The images are clearer now, yet they seem distant and indescribable. Like watching a movie on a theater screen. Like it wasn't me who was there.

"I might be overreacting. It's a normal reaction after everything that happened in such a short time," Arthur continues. "Imagine how I felt being the first to arrive here. No one was around to explain what would happen next. I don't think I've ever felt so confused and vulnerable."

My heart clenches. I feel detached from that night, but I can't express my gratitude enough. I'm grateful I didn't have to face one of the scariest moments of my life alone. I'm grateful Arthur and Eleonora were by my side.

"Don't know if I ever said this, but thank you. For everything," I say, smiling sincerely.

Arthur responds with a gentle smile. He straightens up and ruffles my hair.

"You know I'd do anything for you guys, just as you would for us. But sometimes you need to help yourself too. If you feel like you can't handle everything alone, there are at least three backs you can lean on. You don't need to burn yourself to keep others warm."