Guardians: Protectors of Light

Chapter 39

I realized I never showed off the AWESOME Tessa. One of my favorite old people, I'll do Ash later on a different chapter, once I'm done kicking myself XD 

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A dense, suffocating cloud hangs over her, pressing heavily on her chest and dragging down her steps as she exits the storage room. The mental breakdown did little to ease her anguish; instead, it swelled her face and left her with a pounding headache. Angela, though showing signs of recovery, appears fragile and crestfallen, her eyes fixed on the entrance with a haunting emptiness. Valery forces a smile on her face as she walks in and sits on the worn cot beside Angela.

"You're looking a bit better." Valery winces, hearing how fake her attempt at sounding happy sounded, even to her.

"Thanks to you," Angela assures her, gratitude etched in her features. "But I can't say the same for you."

Valery's weary eyes meet Angela's, carrying the weight of hours spent mending wounds and an emotionally charged clash with Trent. "I've been at it for hours and just had a heated exchange with Trent," she confesses.

Angela sighs softly, her gaze understanding. "I overheard. It's a small miracle you didn't let slip the secret right then and there." With an unexpected swiftness, Angela delivers a firm smack to Valery's head.

"What the hell?" Valery snaps, instinctively rubbing the spot. "Is this how you thank me for healing you?"

"It's how I thank you for being reckless," Angela retorts, her tone stern. Valery takes a deep breath, her shoulders sagging as she exhales.

"You can't tell me anything I haven't already told myself," Valery reassures her, her voice holding a mixture of resignation and determination.

"Really?" Angela's voice is gentle but probing. "Have you reminded yourself that your dad just passed away? That you're hurting and feeling lost, not knowing where to turn? And what about the fear of letting people in, knowing the pain it can bring, and now being afraid to love?" Angela wonders aloud, her words hanging heavy in the air. Valery remains silent.

"You and Trent share more in common now. I think that terrifies you. You don't want to acknowledge it, so you're pushing him away. You're struggling with the overwhelming sense of loss that's taken hold of your heart," Angela continues, her insight cutting through the silence.

Valery's voice is a fragile whisper, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She looks down at the tiled floor, avoiding Angela's gaze, unwilling to let her see the pain that lingers behind her eyes.

"Why do you understand me so well?" Valery murmurs.

"Because I know you," Angela replies softly, her arms encircling Valery in a comforting embrace.

Valery rests her head on Angela's shoulder, seeking solace. "What should I do?" she asks, her voice barely audible.

"Take the time to grieve," Angela advises, her voice steady. "Allow yourself to retreat, to lock yourself in your room. Take that pen to the journal you think no one knows about. Let it out."

"Angela!"

"Girl, stop. I've known for years. Did you really think you could keep something like this a secret from me? Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. What you need right now is time to feel, to grieve. Vent about how brutal and bewildering the world can be. Let it out before it consumes you and you end up pushing everyone away, only to look around and realize how truly alone you are. I don't want to see you throw your life away just because you're struggling right now," Angela advises, her words a steady anchor in the storm. She rises from her seat. "There shouldn't be anyone else in need of healing. Take this time for yourself, and remember not to be too harsh on yourself. You're going to be okay," she assures, offering a gentle smile, then quietly exits the room, leaving Valery to her thoughts.