Autumn stared blankly at the fire crackling in the corner. She hadn't spoken in minutes. Mango had draped a blanket over her shoulders.
"Rest," Mango urged softly.
But Autumn's voice came clear now, too clear.
"No. I am not going to rest. I am going to see her."
"Autumn…"
"I need to look her in the eyes. I need to know if it is really her…"
Everything was noise and silence all at once.
The cheers, the whispers, the gasps…all muffled, like she was trapped underwater.
Autumn did not remember her knees buckling. Did not remember Mango catching her. All she could feel was the shattering ache in her chest, as if someone had reached in and cracked her ribs open just to see if her heart would still beat through the pain.
"Easy now," Mango whispered, her voice a low hum.
Autumn couldn't speak again.
Couldn't scream anymore.
Her voice seemed to have developed an auto on and off mode.
