Sane

chapter 8

August 12,2016
Brookhaven, New York

Dezmon POV
"How about we go to my house.We don't have to go to school tomorrow. We can just go to my house and watch movies," I suggested, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

Niya looked at me, her eyes still red but a flicker of hope shining through. "I really do need to leave the house for a couple of days. Would your parents care that I come over?"

I chuckled lightly, though it felt bittersweet. "My parents died in a car crash two years ago," I said, my voice steady but tinged with the weight of loss. "So, no worries there. It'll just be us."

Her expression softened, and I could see she was processing everything—the grief, the loneliness, and now this unexpected offer of companionship. "I'd like that," she finally said, a small smile breaking through her tears.

"Great," I replied, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Let's pack a few things and get out of here. You deserve a break from all this."

As we stood up together, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I wasn't just there to support her; I was determined to help her find a way through this darkness, one moment at a time.

As we walked out of her apartment, I took the lead and offered to carry her bags. "Let me take those," I said, grabbing the handles and feeling the weight of her belongings. She nodded, grateful for the help. I opened the car door and placed her bags in the back seat before getting in myself.

"Do you want something to eat?" I asked as I started the engine, hoping to distract her from the heaviness of the day.

"Yes, McDonald's would be fine," she replied, a hint of a smile breaking through her sadness.

"McDonald's it is," I said with a grin, feeling a bit lighter knowing that I could at least provide her with something comforting. As we drove, I glanced over at her, noticing how she stared out the window, lost in thought.

"Hey," I said gently, trying to pull her back into the moment. "I know things are tough right now, but we'll get through this together."

She turned to me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I really appreciate you being here, Dezmon."

"Always," I promised, my heart swelling with determination to support her however she needed. As we pulled into the drive-thru, I knew that this was just the beginning of helping her find a way forward.

*Arrives at Dezmon house *

As we settled in, I decided to break the ice with a game. "How about we play 21 Questions?" I suggested.

"Sure," Niya replied, seeming open to the idea.

"Okay, I'll start. What's your favorite color and why?" I asked.

"Blue," she said after a moment of thought. "It reminds me of the ocean—calm and endless. It's soothing."

"That's a good one," I nodded. "Alright, your turn."

"What's your favorite animal?" she asked, curious.

"I'd say dogs," I answered. "They're loyal and always there when you need them."

We continued back and forth, learning little things like favorite foods and dream travel destinations. With each question, we shared more laughs and stories, slowly easing into a sense of comfort and connection that felt refreshing amidst everything else going on.