Smoke And Mirrors

Fallen Stars

A nightmare. This was a nightmare for Vi.

She couldn't quite recall her walking in the rain with Caitlyn in her arms, laying unconscious and slowly bleeding out. She couldn't recall her screams of agony that had escaped her lungs towards the doctors of the nearby hospital, begging them to save her, to do something. She couldn't remember those doctors rushing and taking her Caitlyn away, and herself only watching helplessly. Everything was a blur.

She had curled herself up on the floor, next to the room the doctors were taking care of the injured sherrif. People were passing by, not caring about Vi's struggle; they had their own to worry about. Outside, the rain raged and the sky had become even darken, dismissing any clues that decided daytime from night. Even so, Vi had lost track of time hours ago.

As it was growing late, her brain was screaming at her to rest but she refused to oblige. She would only sleep when she was absolutely sure that Caitlyn would be alright. She would stay all night awake if necessary.

However, it didn't come to that. Around midnight, a doctor came out of the room, seeking for Caitlyn Fitzwilliam's close encounters. Only then did Vi stand up. The relief that washed over her when the doctor reassured her that the sherrif's condition was stable was beyond any words.

Once the doctor and his custody dismissed themselves, Vi seeked for a place to pass the night on. All the benches across the corridor were full with asleep people and she couldn't bring herself to wake an old lady up to settle next to her. She slipped down again on the floor and sleep came in a distance. It wasn't without distributions or dreams however. Vague visions with Caitlyn, Jinx and lots of blood. She woke several times during the night, only to find herself panting in her own sweat. She only hoped she wasn't talking in her sleep.

She officially abandoned her spot at the floor at around six of the next day to get herself some coffee from the hospital canteen. When she returned back, an unpleasant surprise was awaiting that carried the name Elizabeth Fitzwilliam.

Oddly enough, she couldn't bring herself to care about her presence there. She walked back towards Caitlyn's room, taking a sip off her coffee. Her return didn't go unnoticed. Her return was greeted by a sharp look from Elizabeth but no further comment. Vi stood opposite her, starring down at her feet and occasionally taking a sip off her coffee.

It seemed like Elizabeth was debating with herself for a while. Vi didn't give a damn. Gazing at the floor was a far better perspective than trying to communicate with her.

"What happened to my daughter?" Elizabeth asked eventually, her voice sharp but barely above a whisper.

"Jinx" was Vi's mere response.

"And where were you, officer, when this terrorist attacked her?"

Silence

Elizabeth's anger was radiating and could be felt from miles away. This passive behavior of Vi got the best out of there.

"You were entrusted to protect my daughter, yet all this happened! Explain yourself!" she said, raising her voice.

Vi slowly raised her head, looking straight into Mrs Fitzwilliam's eyes. They were lit up with fire and under other circumstances she might have been a little bit intimidated. Not now, though.

"You're right. Whatever happened to Caitlyn yesterday was entirely my fault"

Elizabeth was obviously taken aback by that response. It would be a lie if we say she expected this reaction, especially from Vi. She expected her to at least try and defend herself, yet she didn't. She seemed so off and tired, with no energy, and these terms didn't go together with Vi at one sentence.