“The night protects.” Vix said quietly, the pond just a few yards away.
It was nearly midnight, Vix thought she was alone when Emily spoke.
“Excuse me?” Emily said. “Are you ok?”
“I told you to leave me alone.” Vix said coldly, unflinching.
“I know, and I’m sorry” Emily replied. “It’s just every time I see you, you look so sad, so angry. I thought you could use a friend.”
“I have no friends.” Vix said, barely contained anger rising in her voice. “I don’t need friends.”
“We all need friends.” Emily replied softly.
“Go away.” Vix said, taking a half step closer to the pond.
“Are you going to…” Emily started to ask.
“Yes.” Vix replied without hesitation. “I don’t want you to watch.”
“Why?”
“Who wants to see a wretched creature drown?” Vix asked, hate growing in her voice. “Who wants to watch someone die? Do you?”
“No.” Emily replied. “But no one should die alone.”
Vix said nothing, standing perfectly still.
“I won’t stop you.” Emily said, sorrow in her voice. “But you shouldn’t die alone.”
Vix said something Emily couldn’t understand.
“I’m sorry, what?” She asked.
“I hate you.” Vix repeated. “I hate you so much it hurts.”
“I’m sorry…” Emily apologized, slowly stepping away. “If you really want me gone, I’ll go.”
“Stay.” Vix said.
“Okay.” Emily replied.
“The night protects.” Vix said again. “It hides all, the hurt, the pain, the threats. It protects all. And none.”
“That’s deep.” Emily said meaningfully.
Without warning, Vix turned and darted at Emily, running into her at full speed, almost sending them both to the ground.
“Why?” Vix asked, her face pressed into the chest of Emily’s jacket. “Why did you keep coming?”
“You looked like you needed a friend.” Emily said, gently wrapping Vix in a hug. “I wanted to be your friend.”
“Thank you.” Vix whispered so quietly Emily could barely hear it.
“Anytime, friend.” Emily said sweetly.

5/18/2025, 1:06:13 AM