Two Lost Souls

rant ahead

She's bored out of her mind. It's getting dark outside and Klaus hasn't returned yet, and with no books at her disposal and no wish to watch TV, the cabin is too quiet. She could have gone out, discovered some of those famous landscapes, but she decided against it. Not only does she want to be here when he comes back, she doesn't feel like doing this without him. He's the one who brought her here, who decided to share with her this place that's so special to him, it would feel wrong to just explore on her own when she knows he wants to be by her side at her first glimpse of those wonders. And honestly, she wants him to be by her side.

Ever the glass-half-full kind, she's decided to see his outburst as a good thing.

Though she can't quite put her finger on it, something feels off about him since he got his emotions back, and his reaction to her not being on vervain is the first one she's seen that seems normal. At least for him.

So yes, while it hurts that he felt the need to leave and she's not happy that he doesn't trust himself – or her – she promised him she'd be patient, and she intends to keep that promise.

It's not like she doesn't have anything to keep her mind occupied, she thinks as she glances at the phone in her hand, debating whether or not to follow through on the idea that crossed her mind a couple of hours ago.

What she told Klaus in the bayou is true. She's been so preoccupied with getting him back and then making sure he didn't fall apart that she's managed to push her own issues to the back of her mind, but it's time to let them come forth. This feels like the perfect opportunity. She figures she still has a few hours before he comes back and well, maybe this is something she has to do on her own. After all, she did tell him that they can't depend on each other too much. However, she's not sure she's strong enough.

Although it still threatens to overwhelm her at times, her guilt over everything she's done while she was emotionless is something she's learning to manage, but this... This is different. This is the very reason she flipped the switch, and she doesn't know how she'll react if the pain is too much once again. She doesn't want to go through this again.

Then again, how can she hope to help Klaus grieve if she can't?

Taking a deep breath, Caroline turns on her phone, wincing a little when she sees that she does in fact get an Internet signal, even in such a remote area. If she hadn't, it would have been a good excuse not to go through with it. Damn technology.

Oh well.

No choice now.

In a matter of seconds, she's accessed her online account. Like everything in her life, the various folders are carefully organized, so it doesn't take her long to find the photo she's looking for.

The angle is weird but her smile is bright and the look in her mother's eyes as she looks at her is one of love and fond amusement.

It's enough for the first tear to fall.

This is the last picture they took together.

Caroline was home for the weekend. For once, there was no drama awaiting her in Mystic Falls, and her mother had managed to take two days off work for the occasion, something that hadn't happened in way too long. They'd spent those two days shopping, watching movies and eating junk food, Liz teasing her about the Whitmore boys and Caroline deflecting by talking about her classes instead.

A perfect weekend.

Her mother was killed three weeks later.

Holding back an anguished cry, Caroline browses through the folder, finding more pictures – some of her mom only, most with the two of them. Liz never really saw the point of lonely photos.