Afterlight (Fanfiction) ✓

chapter forty-two

Chloe

TWO days later, the memory of my breakdown in the hospital bathroom still lingered like an unwelcome shadow. The waves of embarrassment hit me in quiet moments, unbidden and relentless. I'd replayed the scene countless times—the soap, the scrubbing, Violet's alarmed voice. Yet, despite it all, Violet had been nothing short of patient and kind. She had become one of the most comforting presences in my life, second only to Justin.

And today, Justin was coming home.

The sun had begun its slow descent, its warm, golden light spilling into Justin's room. I stood by the window, watching the horizon as it faded from amber to soft hues of lavender and gray. The trees outside swayed gently, their silhouettes beginning to blur into shadowy outlines as dusk crept in.

I had just stepped out of the shower, my damp hair falling around my shoulders. Justin's old t-shirt hung loosely on me, paired with a simple set of gym shorts. It was one of the few things that brought me solace—the faint, lingering scent of him in the worn cotton. Downstairs, Violet was waiting, probably halfway through setting up another movie for us to watch. She'd been my anchor these last few days, pulling me out of my head when I drifted too far into my own guilt and fears.

Still, my thoughts drifted as I stared out the window, tracing the fading sunlight with my eyes. Shadows lengthened across the lawn, the trees darkening with the arrival of nightfall. The sky deepened, stars faintly beginning to emerge, when a sound from behind startled me. My breath caught as I turned, my heart pounding.

It was Justin.

He stood in the doorway, his duffel bag slung over his shoulder, his beanie already in his hand. His familiar, lopsided grin tugged at his lips, and my heart clenched in relief.

"Miss me, princess?" he rasped, his voice soft but filled with warmth.

For a moment, I couldn't move, too overwhelmed to process the sight of him standing there. Then, as if my body decided for me, I ran to him, wrapping my arms around him tightly. He dropped his bag and held me just as fiercely, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.

"It's okay. I'm here," he murmured into my hair, his voice grounding me as tears welled in my eyes. His lips brushed the crown of my head, and I clung to him, unwilling to let go.

"Do you need anything?" I whispered, my voice trembling.

"Nothing," he replied, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. His eyes softened as he brushed a stray strand of hair from my face. "Just your hugs."

We stood like that, holding onto each other as the last of the sunlight disappeared. The room dimmed, and the world seemed to still. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I realized Violet must have slipped out, leaving us alone. But for now, it was just Justin and me.

"Are you okay, princess?" Justin asked softly, his tone laced with concern. He moved to the couch, carefully lowering himself down, though the slight wince that crossed his face didn't escape my notice.

"I should be asking you that," I said, sitting beside him and glancing at his face. My hands hovered near his arm, as though afraid to touch him and cause him more pain. "Why did you do it, Justin?" I finally asked, the words heavy with worry. "Why would you take that risk?"

"What did you expect me to do?" he shot back, his voice tinged with frustration. "Just sit here and watch? Watch Damien hurt you? Watch him destroy everything?"

The raw emotion in his eyes pierced through me, but I couldn't back down. "We should have waited," I said, my voice cracking. "You never act without a plan. You've always been the careful one, Justin. Don't you see? He knew you'd be reckless. He wanted you distracted by anger, by pain. And you walked right into it."