The Secrets Behind Them

∅{Motivation}∅

{December 31st, one week after Christmas Eve}

"Miah? How are you holding-"

Aaron steps through the door after opening it without knocking.

A mistake on his behalf.

I have mouse blood splattered amongst the floor, some of it is sprayed on my lips. I can taste it but I don't take pleasure in it.

The animal loving scyra is frozen in place, looking down upon my mess. He spots the cut up mice limbs, and the only living mouse in my hand. I stare back at him, just as wide eyed as him. Not a single word is spoken, he doesn't even say anything as he turns to leave while holding his two snakes closer to his body.

I face the mess, seeing my blood-red tinted reflection in a fairly large puddle. I only have one mouse left now, I'll just let it go. In the reflection, I can see just how tired I am. The skin around my eyes has darkened, turning violet below the bottom lid. My skin is more pale than it should be, as if I'm sick. I haven't taken a single shower since the day after Christmas. I can just feel the grease in my curls.

I turn to the mouse I have hanging by its tail, the tiny rodent is spinning it's body around to escape. I struggle to stand to my feet and crack the window open using my elbow, letting the mouse drop into the little bit of dirt untouched by snow. I watch as the white fur scatters away from the window and hides away. I close the window, using my elbow again. My eyes go back to the mess, seeing just how violent I was with the tiny creatures.

It's fine, right?

I just...lost my temper.

I bring my attention to cause of my anger, my plants. They have been beyond unhealthy ever since that night. I can't keep the leaves perking up for more than thirty seconds, it's as if my powers are useless. My heart can't properly accept this happening, especially when their pain whispers into my ears like the souls of dead soldiers. I kick the corner of my bed, instantly finding my pine tree drop more needles. I throw my hands over it, hoping for it to lose the dull, orange, color of needles. However, they just stay the same, as if I lost my powers.

"Gah-!" I fall foward, my energy coming to a low. I catch myself on the table and the end of my bed. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying my best not to whimper or let tears escape my eyes. I turn my head, looking at the bed near the door. Why did he have to die? I let a pout out through my lips, immediately falling to my knees when I tremble. Nononono, Miah stop, you've gone this far without crying again. Don't do it now-

A sniffle from my nose echoes throughout the room. I whine, holding my hands away from my body to avoid blood getting it on my clothes. When I'm lost the most in my own tears, a hand rests on my shoulder. I don't bother to see who it is but I know it has to be Gabe.

Neveah is always trying to find a job.

Dahlia is always hiding away.

Ellie can't process what's wrong.

The others are usually busy other than Arthur, who spends most of his time sleeping or shaking to the point where he can't function.

"Hey, Miah, hey," Gabe whispers, rubbing his hand in circles on my shoulder blade, "Ssh, you're okay." He lies. I don't give into his affection, rather, I just stand up. I take myself to the hall closet, he follows and knows exactly what I'm doing. "Hey, I'll clean up the room. You, go take a shower and clean yourself up." He suggests, I reply with a nodding gesture. I drag my feet to the bathroom, closing the door behind me.