She Who Seemed Heartless

Chapter 5

Snow covered the roof of their house, the surface of the trees and land, everything. The weather was cold despite the absence of breeze. White is truly a sight to behold indeed. It symbolizes peace and purity, the life where Annie and her father currently reside. Soup and rice were prepared on the small table where they dined every day. Though it may be petite, they loved huddling there to eat and talk. Despite the somewhat dead atmosphere of where they live in, the two never complained.

Then in a snap, a lot of things occurred in the presence of young Annie. The once undiluted snow was corrupted with blood.

One bad thing about the white color is that once it is tarnished, the dirt would be highly evident to the eyes of humans.

Annie clutched the side of her head and tried to shrill, but only a portion of her voice was emitted from her half-parted lips. She was scared to express her own fear. Her hands slowly moved to her whole face, covering it. She could not dare to see another drop of blood, or anything resembling the color of death. Armin was petrified at first. He didn't know what to do at this situation, and all he could think of was make her feel better. Relay a message to her that she's going to be fine. That she's not alone.

That he's there.

He quickly moved to one of the cupboards in the kitchen and grabbed the first aid kit. He took one band aid and wrapped it around his damaged finger to heal and cover it for her. All he knew was that blood made her feel uneasy. Then, he went back to the now delicate Annie and knelt down in front of her. Gently, he moved her hands away from her own face and replaced them with his. The warmth and tenderness of his hands shocked Annie a bit, as if a small amount of electricity suddenly possessed her body. She simply scrutinized Armin with watery eyes and cheeks. Somehow it made her feel well but cautious at the same time.

"I'm sorry. I should be more careful next time", he said softly, almost in a whisper then released her. He presented his forearm to her, though she did not comprehend what it meant. "Use the sleeve to wipe your tears away. I don't have any handkerchief."

Although hesitant, she did what she was told. She could feel Armin's smile from behind his arm and her emotions were stirred. Is this how it meant to be weak?

Never in her life did she show frailty, not even to those who looked after her back in the orphanage. She was considered as a special case. Whenever she felt the necessity to display feebleness, she would lock herself in her room and wait for it to disperse. She did not bother find a person to act as a shoulder to cry on because she knew, she definitely knew, that nobody would care for her condition.

But he was different. And she did not like it.

She disliked the feeling of being paid attention to. It made her feel weaker because there was someone who actually showed concerned. She hated the feeling of needing someone to be by her side when she feels like her own world is turning into ashes, and when people could not understand her case.

'This is going to be the last time', she swore to herself.

"Uhmm, Annie? Are you finished?"

Annie was baffled. What did he mean by that? It took her a few seconds to realize that she had finished wiping her tears but was still covering her face with his arm (and sleeve), almost hugging it, while she was pondering earlier. She quickly pushed his arm away and her usual nonchalant visage returned. Armin showed a toothy grin. "You're back!" He stood up. "I'll get you some water."

She got up as well and responded. "Please, I can do that by myself. Let's continue with the food. They might come back any minute now." Armin nodded and went back to preparing dinner.