20th September 2024

Inspired/fuelled by Evanescence-My Immortal.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idd_92ajjwY

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Darien stepped out of the fireplace in the hall, and wandered up the familiar stairs.

His feet were heavy as he reached Ana's door. Locked, as always.

Ana?
...Darien? Hah, it's been a while since we've talked like this. Where are you?
It has. Darien couldn't help but smile. ...I'm outside.
...Why?
Don't-I want to tell you to your face! Darien snapped out of the mental conversation. He didn't want Ana to tell the truth from his thoughts.

"What are you doing here?" Ana opened the door, one eyebrow raised.

Darien's eyes focused on the carpet. "I...I've got some news..."

"So Diana's finally pregnant? You could be a bit happier-" ((lol))

Darien cut her off. "...No."

"Then what?" Ana's voice became more confused.

"...Ana..."

"Cut to the chase already!"

Darien took a deep breath. "Aiden...Aiden and Amy are dead."

Ana hadn't expected that. His words were like a physical blow to her stomach, her mind, her heart. "..You're lying!" Her expression froze in shock, the mental mask slowly falling apart.

Darien stepped forwards, putting an arm around her, giving her a rare hug. Ana didn't push him away. He reopened the mental link, letting his memories of what Nick said flow into Ana's mind. He released her and stepped back.

The mental mask fell apart for a split second, and in that instant, Ana looked like the wounded child she had been. Showing the scars caused by loss and pain that she hid from the world. The scars that only her soul and heart could see.

Ana felt her mask fall. Her facade broke. She froze, disbelieving, but slow certainty drove away hope, replacing it with sorrow. Turning, she slammed the door with enough force to shake the entire house. The lock clicked into place, and she turned her back on it, sinking down to sit with her back against the door, her knees no longer willing to support her.

Darien knew from experience that he should leave her be. Closing his eyes, he waited until she removed the link, blocking off her mind.

He allowed one tear to fall. The pain in Ana's eyes had torn him inside. The fact that he had hurt her...with words...he felt guilt. Even though he had no choice, he fought his brotherly instinct to protect his little sister.

"...Ana?" He whispered, placing a palm on the door.

There was no reponse.

Ana heard the whisper. She heard the retreating footfalls.

She didn't move. She couldn't move. If she moved...She'd have to move on. She'd have to recover. She'd have to accept...

That Amy and Aiden were dead.

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Darien approached the fire, eyes blurry with unshed tears, and vanished.

Reginald watched his son leave, before walking up the stairs, towards Ana.

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Ana cried.

With shock, with sadness, with anger.

Incredible anger.

Her fist slammed into the floor, as she cried. Anger drove her to destroy all around her, finally collapsing back on her bed, sobbing.

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Reginald paused, then headed to the fireplace. Darien was going to pay...for whatever pain he'd now caused Ana.