♘ Be Brave ♘

XCV

Matthew releases us after everyone has completed their landscape test, and I head to the Pit by myself, since Lauren and Zeke wanted to stay afterwards to ask Rachel about the rest of initiation. At least, that's what they said... I think they're just going somewhere to make out.

I wander around the Pit for a few hours, not really looking to buy something. I wish Cassandra were here. I wish we could go dance, bake a cake, talk. I wish she wasn't sick. I fight off the tears that are threatening to break free, and force myself to break free.

She'll be okay. She'll be back here, soon. Very soon. Maybe if I keep telling myself that, it will actually come true. I walk over to the booth section, and find one that I hadn't seen before. It's like a small jewelry store.

The man in charge of it looks unfamiliar. "Good to see you, Four." I'm surprised he knows my name, but then again, I think every single Dauntless member is aware of who I am by now. "Uh, hey. Just browsing." The vendor grins. "That's what everyone says... at first."

His smile evaporates after a moment. "I...uh.... I heard about your girlfriend. How's she doing?" If he's trying to seem caring, it doesn't work. The look he's giving me is one of pure pity, and that's the last thing I need right now.

I ignore his question and glance at his merchandise, prepared to walk away, but something catches my eye. A display of rings hides at the back of the booth, and I reach over to examine them. At the end of the row is a pair of black bands that seem to gleam despite the lack of light in the Pit. "Great choice," the guy comments. "Obsidian rings are the best, aren't they?"

I shrug. "So it would seem." I lean forward to put them back on the table, but an idea begins to form in my mind. I stare at them for a moment.

Perfect. "How much are these?" He shakes his head. "They're on the house." Why he would give them to me for free is beyond me. The quality of the rings alone would justify an expensive price. Maybe he's trying to "butter me up" like Eric said.... But I know Zeke.

He became my friend from the very beginning, not because he wanted to manipulate me, but because he genuinely liked me. This guy, on the other hand... I'd never seen him before in my life. He must sense my hesitation, because he takes the pair of rings and pushes them toward me. "Please. I was in love once too, you know." He smiles, and I know he's being honest.

"Thank you." He nods. "Tell her I said hello." I can't keep from grinning as I shake his hand. "I will."