the channel {fillie}

T H E F I N D I N G

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: sticks and bones

-
Finn

It was a silent night.

Millie simply laid with her back turned away from mine. I knew she wasn't asleep since she never did but I didn't know what to do. It was too quiet for my liking.

"Millie..."

She sighed softly before looking over her shoulder. "Yes Finnie?" Her voice was nervous-gentle even and it had a certain edge to it.

"Are you okay baby?

Millie flipped over facing me now, "I don't know Finnie... how should I feel?"

"I-I don't know..." my fingers trailed over her shoulders and then down her back softly. "Do you really think this will work?"

"I have hope that it will."

"Me too."

The silence came back and the question now loomed over us. I didn't know how to approach it but luckily I didn't have to.

"I'm going to miss you Finnie," she spoke softly.

And I stared at her into those eyes- those dazzling eyes- that had me swept up inevitably in her grip.

"I'm going to miss you too Millie."

I didn't want to sleep that night; being afraid that for the first time she wouldn't be there when I woke up again. But she assured me multiple times

("promise?" "promise.")

and eventually I fell into a dreamless sleep.

The next morning was hectic. Millie was quieter than usual and everything in my body ached for the pain in my chest to go away.

Thankfully, I guess, my parents went out of town to go visit my aunt, which I was forever grateful I didn't have to go because she was a total mess.

But there was no need to get into that right now.

Not when everyone all stood currently in my backyard, shovels all held in their hands as they started digging.

Although I hadn't moved an inch; even minutes later.

"Are you not gonna help?" Noah asked, it was mad on the contrary his voice was soft and understanding if I were to say no.
My throats felt dry, "I-I don't..." Millie appeared beside me suddenly.

"It's okay Finn... you can do it."

"But Mills what if I..."

"That's just a chance we're going to have to take," she said before firmly hugging me, her lips touched my cheek gently and her words gave me the push to finally start. "I love you."

I wish I could say things were easier after that but it wasn't.

It was long and grueling and it was incredibly hot. My entire back yard looked like a construction site and we still hadn't found anything.