Spectrum 》Chris Evans

seventy-six

REAL LIFE

TRIGGER WARNING: VIOLENCE AND BLOOD AND SADNESS YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

River's house had never been as full as it was now. There was a constant bustle of activity as all of her friends gathered together and caught up. River stood against the wall to the side, watching Tom freak out over finally getting to meet Pudge.

"Oh my god he's so cute," Tom exclaimed happily as he pet the cat. Pudge had plopped himself by Tom's feet, enjoying all the attention he had been receiving. River giggled, shaking her head endearingly at the new pair of best friends.

"Here, have a drink, darling," Scarlett said as she slid up next to River, placing a glass of wine in her hands. River gave her an appreciative look. She loved having all her friends together (even though they were missing Anthony), but having to prepare for the large group's arrival had wiped her out.

"Thanks, love." River took a sip of her wine and immediately felt relaxed. The feeling didn't last, however, as right after she swallowed her sip, she began to feel a bit nauseous.

"Maybe that's not such a good idea," River mumbled, handing the wine back to Scarlett. She gave River a questioning look.

"Since when do you turn down wine?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Since I feel like I'm about to hurl everywhere," River replied, sucking in a shaking breath. "I think I need to sit down."

River walked away from the wall and to the couch, where she plopped herself next to Jeremy. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths.

"You all right, kiddo?" Jeremy asked, concerned. River didn't respond right away, taking a few moments to calm her breathing.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm-" River began to respond, but another sudden wave of nausea hit her, and this time she couldn't hold it back. River was off the couch and running as fast as she could to the nearest trash can. She emptied the contents of her stomach into the bin. Chris quickly rushed over to her, pulling her hair back and away from her face.

"It's okay, baby, let it out," Chris murmured to her soothingly, rubbing her back. Soon, there was nothing left in River to come back up, so she stayed bent over the bin for a few minutes so she could catch her breath. When she was ready to stand back up, Ruby was next to her, holding out a cup of water for her to drink from. River took a few small sips in between breaths, and the coolness felt wonderful against her burning throat.

"You okay, Riv?" Ruby asked once River handed her the cup back.

"Yeah, I'm good," River nodded. "I think all the excitement of having everyone over caught up to me." She tried to tell herself that's what it was, at least.

"Do you need us to go?" Elizabeth asked, concern etched onto her face. "If you wanna rest, we can all head back to our hotels for the night. It's no biggie."

River shook her head at the suggestion. She felt fine now, and didn't want any of her friends to leave just yet.

"No, guys, it's fine. I'm fine. I feel a lot better now. You can all stay a bit longer, if you'd like."

Everyone looked at each other, as if they were having a mental conversation that didn't include her. Just as she was about to interrupt their weird, psychic, mind-reading session, Robert broke the silence.