A high pitched ring seemed to linger in my ears. I reopened my eyes, coughing away the dust that was in the atmosphere and collecting in my lungs. My whole body ached, but I still pushed myself to my feet with determination. Mason returned to his own as well. The clouded air began to clear.
The silo's roof had completely disintegrated and the sides had been blown off.
My mom was reaching for the old book that she was reading the words from. "Once the seal is broken, I can curse him and this will all be over." Her voice was raspy and worn from the explosion taking a toll on all of us.
Henry's figure began to crawl out from the silo while crunching his nose. He was obviously hurt and struggling. Henry's legs gave out on him and he fell to his hands and knees.
My mom had finally retrieved her book and flipped through a the pages.
"No!" I yelled, my feet propelling me forward. "Mom, stop it!"
I gripped the book in my hands and pried it from her hold. I threw the item into a thicket, away from my mom.
"You stupid girl!" Her words stung me more than anything she had ever said before. I couldn't believe they actually left her mouth.
Mason stayed clear of the both of us. His eyes would travel back and forth, unsure of who to defend.
Out of the corner of my eye, Henry was able to stand. I snapped my head in his direction to come eye to eye with a feral looking beast. This can't be him, I desperately thought. His eyes seemed to turn darker and burned into my soul. Why did he look so unforgiving?
He can't hurt me. He won't.
I took a step in his direction.
Henry didn't wait another second. He darted away into the forest behind the silo. I wanted to follow him into the mass of trees, but a hand held me back by the wrist.
I traced the arm up to Mason's face. It was covered with a thin layer of dirt and sweat. His curly hair was frizzy and disheveled, hanging messily over his forehead. I wanted to read his expression, but it seemed too hidden and locked away. It was like Mason didn't want me to know how he was feeling during that moment.
"Do you love Henry?" he finally asked.
I didn't answer his question. I didn't know how. It seemed like the answer would be no, and I would tell Mason he was the one I loved. But it wasn't true, none of it ever was and I felt awful that I've been living a lie for so long. Sorry for myself, but mostly sorry for Mason because I led him on.
Mason's free hand came to my face and gently pushed my stray hairs away. In the spot he cleared, Mason's lips met my forehead. I blinked softly at his touch. Even if I didn't love him romantically, I still felt reassurance in his gesture. Like a brother kissing his sister on the forehead in a caring way.
"Be careful, Millie," he told me.
Then, he let go of my wrist.
