My heart skips a beat. She picked up! “Hey Clara. I…” I twist my lips and slump over. “I just wanted to say that everything I said about dreamscreechers was stupid. I was being an idiot and I’m so sorry for everything I said.”
It falls silent from her side. My heart pounds as I wait for her answer.
“I don't think you were being an idiot…” She murmurs.
Is she changing her mind? “But the dreamscreecher I saw… I-”
“I'm not saying you were right, but I can seewhyyou were wrong.” She sighs. “I heard about this thing. You call it a cleansing ceremony. Someone told me it resets your brain.”
“It does.” My nose scrunches at the idea. It's something that should've never existed. “You forget everything about the time when you believed in dreamscreechers. Even memories that aren't about dreamscreechers. It's something people go through when they support dreamscreechers.”
She pauses again. “That makes you a lot more brave than I gave you credit for. How are you supposed to know the truth when that's what's in store for you?”
“My family doesn't believe in that stuff. It was more of a demand from Amarians.” Not even Grandmother would allow it for our family.
“But even then… How is anyone supposed to teach you the truth when everyone who knows forgets it all? You onlyturned against me when you had evidence, but science is supposed to be reliable, so how can I be mad at you for believing it?”
“I would still understand it if you were. I debated with the professor who gave me that information and he admitted they're only going off assumptions. I should've believed you.”
“No. I apologize for being so harsh and expecting you to change so quickly. I should've been more understanding. You've seen some dreamscreechers do horrible things.” She sighs. “And then you’d get ridiculed for disagreeing with everyone.”
“But your reaction makes sense too.” I mimic her sigh, guilt pushing bile up my throat. “I was trying to convince you of a lie while wanting to kill an innocent species. I can't blame you.” I look down to my tapping feet, forcing them down.
“I guess… we can both apologize and make up?”
A smile tugs at my lips. “Yeah. I'd like that.”
“Okay. Good.”
Her statement is only followed by silence, but it’s more like a moment of relief than awkward tension. She's been so bold since I've challenged her, and I appreciate it. Even if she didn't see my side, she didn't hold back for me as the prince. She was open and honest, and showed me to a new world of truth.
And her empathy. It's incredible how strong it is - for both dreamscreechers and my point of view.
There's something burning in my chest, and I realize my breath is stuck in my throat. Heat spreads to my cheeks.
What's up with me?
“Do you… want to come over and talk about it?”
My heart jumps at the suggestion. It almost hurts. “Huh?”
“Come over? Do you want to come over?”
“Yes!” The answer is immediate and certain. No hesitation.
My cheeks feel like they've been tanning and my heart buries itself in my stomach. Why did I sound like a desperate teenage boy?
She giggles on the other end. “I'll see you in a little bit then.” Nothing in her voice seemed to judge.
“A-ah… yeah I'll see you.” I cringe at my stutter and hang up quickly. What's wrong with me?
Never mind that. It's probably nothing. Just focus on what's at hand.
I pull the phone away from my ear to tell my chauffeur we're changing directions.
We’re gonna change this kingdom. One day everyone will know the truth.
???
