(Earlier version) Flowerborn Part 1: The Arena

Chapter 24: Truth

Her eyes widened. 'Why do you ask that? What do you mean?' I shook my head. 'No, mom just answer me. You said once that there was no other option. You said that we'd starve to death!' She sighed. Then she looked up again and grinned. 'I am sorry Lu, I really liked you. But when your dad left I had no choice.' I tried to say something but I was too confused. 'Mom?' She waved her hand as if she want to wave the word away. 'I wanted to share the price with you, you know? But now that you found out..' I stood up so quickly that my chair fell backwards. I pointed my finger at her. 'You.. how?... why..' It was impossible to hold back my tears, and I just ran out, without looking at all the people that were probably staring at me.

-

I ran, I ran as fast as I could. Eventhough I knew I was not allowed to leave, I ran as far as possible. Then I curled up in a random corner. Suddenly I burst out crying. Letting all the emotions out. I turned around and punched the wall as hard as I could.

'Hey? What happened?'
When I looked up I saw a familiair face. River sat down next to me. He wrapped his arms around my shaking body. It felt comfortable hiding my face in his shirt. 'Ssh.. sh..' he said.

We sat there for a few minutes. I felt like I had to tell him what happened. 'I.. I just..' Then I choked up again.
'Ssh, you do not have to explain anything. Only when you are ready.' I nodded graceful and hid myself in his arms again.

-

After idontknowhowlong we went back to our room. River looked at me to make sure I was alright and went back to his bed to read a book. Guards had come by the room to deliver food. I quickly grabbed the bread and strawberries from my plate and stuffed it into my mouth. I had not eaten for two days, but the emotions distracted me from the hunger. I missed her so much.