Woven in Shadows (agatha x rio)

Fragments of the past

Chapter Forty-Eight: Fragments of the past

The Early noon afternoon settled over the home like a fragile veil, sunlight muted by the stormy clouds that still clung to the sky. The rhythmic patter of rain against the windows provided an ambient backdrop, soothing but heavy, as though even the weather mourned the events of the prior day. Agatha sat at the edge of the couch, her hand resting gently on Rio's knee, her posture slouched in a way that betrayed exhaustion she wouldn't openly admit. The plate of uneaten food sat on the coffee table, a forgotten casualty of Rio's weakened appetite.

Rio reclined back against the cushions, a blanket tucked securely around her fragile frame. Though she had regained some color in her cheeks, her usually sharp eyes remained dulled, the glimmer of wit and sarcasm lost behind exhaustion and pain. Every breath she took seemed measured, as if the simple act of existing had become a weight she could barely bear. Her head tilted slightly to the side, her gaze trained absently on the window, watching as rain streamed down the glass in winding trails.

Agatha shifted her weight, leaning closer, her eyes tracing the delicate contours of Rio's face. It felt strange, almost unnatural, to see her like this so vulnerable, so human. Agatha reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair away from Rio's face with a tenderness she rarely allowed herself to show. "You need to eat more" she murmured, her voice quiet, as though louder words might shatter the delicate stillness between them.

Rio's lips curved into the faintest attempt at a smile, though it quickly dissolved into a grimace. "I'll eat when you stop fussing, baby" she croaked, her voice raspy but tinged with a flicker of the humor Agatha adored.

Agatha huffed softly, shaking her head but unable to hide the faint smile that tugged at her own lips. She squeezed Rio's hand briefly before rising to her feet, her fingers lingering for just a moment longer than necessary. "You're insufferable, you know that?" she quipped, her tone light but her heart heavy.

Turning toward the window, Agatha took a moment to collect herself. The rain, the gloom it mirrored the storm brewing inside her chest. She exhaled deeply before looking back at Rio, her expression softening. "I'll get you some tea" she said, though she hesitated, reluctant to leave her side.

"Okay..." Rio muttered, her voice a fragile whisper

Nessa entered the living room quietly, a broom clutched in her small hands, her expression set with a mix of determination and residual worry. The remnants of the previous day's chaos were still stark the shattered glass, splintered furniture, and the faint scorch marks on the walls. Without a word, she began sweeping near the doorway, the rhythmic sound of the bristles against the floor filling the room.

Rio turned her head slightly, her tired eyes following Nessa's movements. "You're starting young with the chores" she remarked, her voice weak but attempting some semblance of humor.

Nessa paused, leaning on the broom for a moment as she glanced at her mom. "Well, someone has to" she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Besides, you and Mama have done enough fighting for a while. The least I can do is clean up the mess."

Rio chuckled softly, though the effort made her wince. "You've got a point there, kiddo." She gestured weakly to the broom. "Just don't overdo it. You're not supposed to be the one cleaning up after us."

Nessa shrugged, resuming her sweeping. "I don't mind. And it's kind of... therapeutic. Helps me not think about yesterday too much." She hesitated, her hands tightening around the broom handle. "You're really okay, though? You look... I don't know. Different."

Rio's gaze softened, the faintest flicker of a smile on her lips. "Different, huh? Guess that's what happens when you take on a soul collector. I'm fine, though, Ness. Just need to rest for a bit. Your Mama patched me up real good."