Emergent (Divergent: Book Four)

Chapter 18-Tris

"Ugh," I groaned softly as I sat up, my stomach aching. I glanced at Tobias, still asleep, then stood up and slowly made my way down the stairs. I had continued to get sick on and off all night, and now my throat was burning.

When I got to the bottom of the stairs I was met with a red-eyed, yawning Caleb typing on a laptop. He looked up when I reached the kitchen. Dark circles hung under his eyes, striking me with worry.

"Hey," he said, shutting his laptop.

"Hey," I croaked.

"What're you doin' up?"

"Um." I didn't want him to worry anymore than he was, so I held back on the details. "Just thirsty."

"Ah." Caleb shot up from the laptop and bolted to the fridge, grabbing me a water bottle. I sat down as he handed it to me. "Thanks."

Caleb nodded and went back to working on his laptop. I sat awkwardly, trying not to drink the water too fast. "So," I started. I glanced at the clock. It was four in the morning. "What're you doing up?"

"Um... Research." I nodded.

Caleb sighed and closed his laptop again. "Are you ok, Tris?"

I could have lied, and said that I was just happy to be alive no matter the cost, but life is too short for lies, however Candor that may sound.

"No, I'm not ok. I've been puking all night, my stomach lurches at the slightest movement, I've lost so many loved ones, all my friends think I'm dead..." I trailed off, staring into space. "Sometimes I wonder, what if I had just chosen Abnegation? I could've avoided all of this."

Caleb shook his head. "They would've kept hunting Divergents, but you put a stop to it. Never regret making the wrong choice, because sometimes it can lead to something better."

"How is this better, Caleb?"

"You saved so many people."

I traced the rim of my water bottle, not answering.

"Tris, if you want to tell our friends-Zeke, and Shauna, and Christina, go ahead. We've been through so much together, there's no reason not to trust them."

I looked up. "Are you serious?"

Caleb grinned. "Absolutely."

I jumped up from the table, then cringed and
sat back down. "That probably wasn't the best idea." I laughed, and Caleb smiled.

But then my happiness faltered, and I gasped.

"What?"

"Uriah...?"

"Oh, um..." And that was all the answer I needed. I bit my lip and nodded, looking at the floor.

I cleared my throat. "Well then, I should probably get back to bed. Thank you, Caleb."

I started to walk off, but Caleb stopped me. "Tris-"

"Yes?" I turn back around only to be wrapped up in his arms. Tears turned to sobs as my brother comforted me.

Guilt burned inside of me, because not only was Uriah gone, but I didn't even think to ask about it until now.

Just another friend gone, I guess.

Thank you so much for all your lovely comments!!! 💙 xoxo -Tay