Into the Flames [Watty Awards 2012]

Chapter 24

I threw the door open and stormed into my house. I immediately went into the bathroom and sat down on the tub. Placing my hands over my face, I let the tears stream down. I can’t take this anymore! Maybe the leader of squadron five was right, maybe I should quit. I’m not meant for this, this was a job for Waterlily. I can’t believe I’m even trying! Don’t I know that this isn’t my job? I throw to words around in my head for some time. There was a soft knock at the door. “Mist, sorry to bug you, but I need to go to the bathroom.” I sighed and stood up. I wiped the tears off my face and let Trout in, retreating to the couch. I needed to find someone else. The guys from squadron five said he would do it, but there was something about him that I didn’t want in the leader, but maybe it was just because he wasn’t Waterlily. Everything seemed to be different now that Waterlily wasn’t here. Even the birds seemed to sing less. But even with practically no hope, we had to find it somewhere; it was the only way we could live on. Our district ran on hope alone. The bathroom door creeks open and Trout slowly steps out, looking at me with her big, frightened eyes before walking in. I motion her over and pull her into a hug.

“I’m not mad at you Trout, I would never be mad at you. You don’t have to be so scared of me.” Trout gave me a light smile and pulled away.

“What will happen Mist?”

“I really don’t know Trout, but I do think I need to find a new leader. I’m just not fit for this job like Waterlily was.”

“I think you can still do it.” Trout’s voice was so quiet I could barely even here what she said.

“You think so?”

“I know so. I know that all you have to do is believe and have hope. That’s all there is to it.”

I smiled at her, “Maybe, but right now it’s getting late and you need to head home for dinner, I don’t have enough food for you here.”

She nodded and we left. I felt bad I had scared her so bad, she didn’t deserve it. Right before she disappeared into her house I called out to her, “See you tomorrow!”

She turned and smiled at me, “See you tomorrow.”