strangers.

c h a p t e r | 8

It had been about a week since the movie night at Ian's apartment, and Sofia was currently at school, wishing she could go back to feeling that level of relaxation. Right now, since it was nearing the end of the year, it seemed that all her teachers were trying to fit in as many exams as possible. She was collecting her things from her locker, getting ready for her next class, AP Psychology.

Her books and belongings were quickly stuffed into her bag, pulling out a single novel before zipping it shut. She sifted through the pages, looking for her folded corner bookmark, 'Page 211... Ahah! Found it!' She celebrated in her mind, and immersed herself into the story.

Sofia loved reading books, but the knowledge of that fact was exclusive to only herself. It was something she held dearly, so dearly she was afraid she would lose it. Books would always hold a special place in her heart.

'It hurts, T. It hurts really bad.' She whimpered, her body curled up beside her, her head in the boy's lap. The pair were resting in the shade of a small tree, the wind chilling the air. They had run-away to a secluded area of the park. As children they had lay claim to this spot, and over the years, it became a place close to their hearts.

The pair sat there, listening to the silence. He felt so helpless, sitting there, combing his fingers through her hair, and not being able to do anything to soothe his best friend's aching heart. They had planned to spend time together that day, maybe grab a bite to eat. She had come to him eyes clear and smile wide, but one look into her eyes and her facade had shattered. All it took was one glance of understanding, and the burden on her soul became self-evident. Tears began to slowly leak through her eyes and her body shook with silent sobs as he embraced her.

He noticed the way she flinched when he rested his hand on the small of her back, and the hand-shaped mark beginning to develop on her wrist.He hated when this happened. It wasn't that he hated being the one to comfort whenever she cried, no, it was the cause of her tears that he hated. He hated that a person like her, with such a pure and wonderful soul, had to go through such pain. Who else would stand to bear that that they had a verbally and physically abusive household? Who else would bear to stand a life of being unloved? Everything did happen for a reason, he just wished he knew that reason.

When she first told him her secret, she had him swear that he would never tell a soul, so getting help was out of the question. Right now though, he wanted to do whatever he could to soothe the pain. She would have done the same for him, without a doubt.

"You know what I do, when I feel bad? When you feel like you wanna be anywhere but here?" He asked, looking down at her face, resting on his thigh.

She turned her face to look up at his, her response barely more than a whisper. "What?"

"I go for walks. Some, all you need is the night air to refresh you. It good for thinking, too."He said, tapping his temple.

"Do you think they're gonna let me go outside whenever I feel like it?" She said, her bitterness towards her parents showing as the anger seeping into her words.

"Right." He said, scratching the back of head, embarrassed he hadn't thought of that before speaking.

His perked up in excitement, in idea flashed in his mind."Here. Try this." He told her, reaching over to get something from his bag on the other side of the tree. He opened the bag, drawing out an item, and then placing it in Sofia's hands.

"What's this?" She questioned, holding the book.'The Maze Runner', it read.

"It's a book. Whenever I can't go for a walk, I read books. Books take you to places, give you the adventures you will always remember. It's where you will meet the people who you will laugh and cry with. These stories are real, if you make them."

She had tears in her eyes again, but these were happy tears. No one had ever done a gesture for her. It warmed her heart. She captured him an a strong embrace, trying to express her sincere gratitude.

"Thank you."