A Wilting Flower

The boat waited on the riverbank just like always, and like always, Lucia climbed in, head down, shaking all over. Cold river spray misted her face as they crossed the wide river, and Lucia was permitted some, if almost no movement. When she was certain they weren't looking, she bent her head down and opened her locket, carefully guarding it against the spray of the water and any curious eyes. Staring back at her was a tiny picture, of a solemn girl with dark brown eyes and hair, her pale skin smooth and unblemished. Anyone who didn't know would assume that Lucia carried her own portrait in her locket, but she knew better. Inside her locket was the girl she'd left behind. Her name? Lea Lycan. And now Lucia was paying her price.

A story of loss love and eventual recovery.