Wingless, book 1 of Wingless Series

Words

"Eve." It's a soothing voice against my ear.

I don't open my eyes. I don't feel good. I don't even know where I am. And I don't care. I don't care because I am back in the pit of misery that I struggled so hard to get out of when Marcus died.

Life has given me another punch to the gut. I should be used to it. I should know, I should have seen it coming. I know how it feels, I hate how it feels.

Death is the greatest of all villains. There is never a different outcome. Death chews us up and spits us out. It destroys everything. Death is a selfish heartbreaking vulture. Death disgusts me.

"Eve, I know you're awake, so listen to me," this voice says again.

I don't move. I just want it to go away. I don't want to talk to anyone.

"So talk," I say, covering my head with my hands.

"What was the worst part about me dying?"

It's Marcus. A little part of me feels alive.

"You're not here for me anymore," I say.

"Is that it?" he asks.

"Isn't that enough?"

"Sometimes you have to accept the way that things turn out. You may hate it but it's the way it has to be."

A warm heat crawls across my skin. I open my eyes, he's perfect and sitting right there next to me.

"I don't know if I can do that. I'm tired of trying to be strong." I sit up.

"It's life. Everyone is destined for the same ending. Why are you holding a grudge at the timing?" He cracks a smile.

"Because it's not fair." I refuse to play along.

"It is fair. You're just being selfish. I'm fine and she's fine. When it's time to go, you feel at peace."

"You were shot in the head working a minimum wage job, Marcus. You weren't at peace." I'm not buying his bullshit.

"That wasn't me. I was long gone," he says. "My body was there, not my soul. I was there for all of you. I hope you know that."

"Mom was devastated. She's never been the same since," I tell him. I know this moment will be gone any second so I try to savor it.

"Vanessa is okay. She's at peace, Eve." He smiles, and disappears.

I sit up in bed, realizing I was dreaming—again. I'm sad knowing I'm back in reality. Even though it was a dream I don't feel as bad anymore.

Evan sits up and snaps on the light. He touches my arm, but doesn't say anything. I roll over, turning my back to him.

"Are you okay?" He says.

I roll my eyes, what a stupid question.

"Please, don't talk."

Tears slip from my eyes. I brush them away thinking of Marcus, I shouldn't let this ruin me because she is alright. It feels good to know it.

I fall back asleep.

But knowing it is not enough and I sit up in bed again. She is alright but knowing she is gone brings an emptiness so powerful. I can't look at it that way.

I cry, hard sobs shake my body as it continues.

Evan turns the light on. He doesn't know what to do, but he brings his hands to my face anyways and wipes my tears not saying a word.