She walks away from the room as we say our goodbyes to her. Once she's out the door, Mother turns to me. “I have to go too, dove. Bird watching club starts in an hour. What's your plan for the day?”
I shrug. “We’ll see.”
“Alright. Well, have fun and stay safe. You have your gun with you right? With ammo, right?”
“Yep.”
“Good.” She walks over and plants a kiss on my head. “If you need me, just call me.”
“Okay…” I whisper.
She walks away as I focus on the incident from yesterday.Clara. I haven't gotten the chance to talk to someone about it. “Mother?” I stand up from my chair. “I have a question.”
She turns back to me with her brows raised. “Yes, dove?”
I suck air through my teeth as I try to formulate the question properly. "How do you help someone who's terrified of you?"
Her brows crease as she puts a finger to the corner of her lip. “I’d try to see what's scaring them and then solve it from there. When people get nervous in front of me, I try my best to seem more like them. Maybe tell a joke."
I slowly nod. That's not something I can do for Clara's case.
"Why? Did you scare someone, little dove?" She chuckles. "I can't imagine anyone being terrified of you."
"Me neither, but someone is."
"I'm sure you'll figure it out." She smiles sweetly before strolling out the door.
I stretch out my arms. It's not exactly the kind of answer I'd hoped for, but it's something I can think about later.
I'll carry on my way today, being alone and not having to worry about a partner. It's the start to a new mindset and positive attitude. A new life full of satisfaction and happiness.
A sigh helps my shoulders relax, letting my heart stay afloat. I got this. I can do this. I can leave all my jealousy and hurt behind in the past.
I just need to keep moving forward.
Chapter 7
Amias
“Why did you run from me last night?”
That was the one question I didn't want Erasmus to ask. The one that would trigger my disappointment and frustration once again.
And yet, here we are. He just had to bring it up, when I'm holding a gun and trying to focus on my aim.
The painting of a dreamscreecher is the target a few feet ahead, a cutout in front of a white wall. Its drawn so realistically, I can feel its black fur on my fingers without touching it. Dark eyes glare back at me, it's goat-like nose and black horns painted to glisten. The rest of its shape resembles the savage puma they're formed after.
The skull is the quickest kill. Aim for the head.
Don't focus on Erasmus.
I shoot the cardboard target, leaving a hole through its head. A perfect shot. Maybe if I just focus on shooting, Erasmus will shut up.
“I know you're upset about the whole soulmate thing.” Erasmus shakes his head in the corner of my eye, wearing black earmuffs that are ridiculously big on him. They don't look any worse than mine, but it makes me feel better to think that it's only him. “I know that's something you've been looking for.”
“Not anymore.” I shoot once again, a hole appearing next to my last shot. “I've moved past that soulmate stuff.”
“Have you? Or are you just saying that?”
