Touch Starved

12

I woke up to a splitting headache that only came about from oversleeping. But while that may have been true, I felt stupid tired.

I breathed in a sigh and stretched my arms, but stopped immediately at the pain it caused. I choked in air as my arms shot down to my abdomen I felt bandages wrapped around me and I finally opened my eyes to fully see what was going on.

I peered around, not really recognizing my location. It felt cozy, I thought as I looked around. A wood cabin that was decorated simply. It was dark, save for the light that shone in through the windows and a couple of lit lanterns. A smoldering fire sat in a fireplace directly across from me. At a table surrounded by chairs, I saw a green cloak dangle from the back of one seat. Boots and gear rested on the floor nearby.

This was really weird.

I remembered what had transpired. Clearly, I hadn't died. A miracle in and of itself, really. But something had to have happened while I was asleep. I was anxious and nervous, and ironically the cozy and safe atmosphere propelled these emotions.

I struggled to sit up a bit to get a better view of what was around me. I caught sight of my arm, it was an ugly shade of purple and black where I remembered the titan had grabbed me. I winced, looking at it hurt.

I could get a better glimpse out of one window and saw a blur of black walk across. I heard a door open and close in another room.

"Hello? Levi?" I called out, my voice barely recognizable with how scratchy it was.

The door popped open and his head peeked in. Once he saw me awake, he scrambled into the room, falling onto his knees when he got close to the bed I was laying in. His hands reached up to pet at my face.

"You're awake. Finally." He breathed out. Was it inappropriate to think of Skyrim? Curse Todd Howard.

I didn't want to break his moment, because clearly I had stressed him out with my near-death incident. Knock, knock, knocking on Heaven's door and whatnot.

"Where are my glasses?" I asked, squinting up at him. "I can't see."

He smiled and let out a huff as he leaned out of my sight. My head craned to follow his hand to a small table behind the bed I laid in. He placed the glasses on my face for me.

"There." He muttered, wiping hair from off my face. "How do you feel?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Okay."

His smile graced my thoughts as he stood up, heading over to the table. He was so relieved I had woken up. I didn't like the foreboding feeling that was settling in my stomach as my mind whirled.

He settled back beside me and showed off a canteen as he popped the cap off. He held the back of my head as he gave me some water, which the fish part of my brain screamed in delight at.

We remained quiet well after the canteen was put back up. He was fidgeting with his hands; he looked like he really wanted something, but didn't know how to ask for it. He looked terrified.

I grabbed at one hand, capturing a couple fingers. "Levi."

His attention snapped towards me, scooching closer (if that were possible).

"What... happened?"

He opened and closed his mouth a few times, his brows twitching between being furrowed and disappearing into his hair. It was as if he couldn't decide what to tell me. Was the news so bad he had to pick his words carefully?

I interlocked our fingers together and gave it a squeeze. He looked at me and I gave him an encouraging nod.

"Humanity... fell." He breathed out. His face contorted to one of almost regret. "All walls are..."