Eight Days of Luke (Plus Fifty-Two) // Two
Two // Trance
“Tear…” Luke said, finally finding her after arriving in Yulia City. He wrapped his arms around her, and she clutched him tightly.
“Luke,” she replied. “I’m so glad you made it.”
He pushed her away slightly, looking her in the eyes. Keeping his hands on her shoulders, he asked, “How are you doing?”
“Fine,” she said, smiling only with her lips.
Natalia pushed Luke out of the way to embrace the girl, eyes welling up in sympathy. “You have my sincerest condolences, Tear,” she whispered, holding her friend close. “I am so, so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you, Natalia,” Tear replied, giving the girl another emotionless smile. “Thank you both for coming. Grandfather would have appreciated it.”
Natalia looked back and forth between them. “Luke, I’ll go with father to inform everyone of our arrival. Why don’t you stay with Tear for now?”
Luke nodded, and Natalia gave Tear another quick hug before slowly catching up with King Ingobert. Luke took Tear’s hand and tilted her face upwards. “Let’s go somewhere private, shall we?” She only nodded once, but he led her away from public view into her rooms, setting her down on her bed. She stared ahead, hardly aware of her hand in his. He sat next to her, squeezing her fingers. “Tear?”
“I’m sorry,” she said, and she started crying. “I don’t mean to-I just-I’m sorry-And-” She fell against shoulder, and he wrapped his arms around her shaking frame, stroking her hair, kissing her forehead.
(tbc)