A Brand New Ending

Chapter 53

Phoenix



I stand under the water, trying to wash out the gobs of hair spray out of my hair. By the third wash, it starts to soften, the natural state of my hair returning. I didn't get much sleep last night due to my untimely discovery, running a million different scenarios in my mind on how I could tell Braeden. Every time I talk myself into it, I talk myself right out of it. Pulling myself from the shower I wrap my body in my robe, the soft fibers a welcomed feeling against my skin. When I get back to my bedroom I plop back on the bed, not having much to do today. It's my day off from the hospital and Braeden told me he was going to be busy the first half of the day.

After a few more minutes of staring at the ceiling I pull myself up and grab some clothes, opting for my comfiest set I can find, a pair of jeans and a simple button-up shirt. I put on my sneakers, my feet still hurting for the high heels. When I am finished getting ready I make my way downstairs, moving slowly and praying to God I don't run into Dr. Harris. I breathe a sigh of relief when I see that the downstairs is vacant and calm. I look out the back windows, the typical fog rolling back in, the warmth of the sun gone. I aimlessly walk the perimeter, realizing how painstakingly bored I am.

Grabbing a light jacket I throw it on and walk down the front steps into the open world. When I get to the end of the walkway I peer off in both directions, choosing to go left, not knowing exactly where I am heading. I walk aimlessly for an unknown amount of time but I begin to admire the city around me, not having much freedom to explore on my own.

However I am unable to break the habit of looking at every face that passes by me, searching for similarities in their eyes. My heart has been beating erratically ever since I stepped foot off that porch. When I feel as though I have had enough exposure I go to turn around but within blocks I am confused, each street I pass by seeming identical to the first. I break out into a run, my body brushing past shadows of people as I pass them. They are so close that I can feel the heat on my skin. I continue to run, the hills of the city making my muscles burn. As I continue to run I feel a long shiver runs its course through me body and then I see why.

I slow down, my body coming to a slow stroll, my fingers grasping the yellow tape as I reach it. Looking out at the property it is hard to believe that a house once stood here. I look to my side and make sure that I am alone before ducking under the tape. The charred wood crunches under my feet, my shoes instantly cover in the grey ash. It has been months since the incident but the city seems not interested in cleaning up the rubble hastily. As I walk through it all the memories come flooding back. I can feel the phantom pain in my scares.

I kick around the rubble, looking for I don't even know what. There is nothing from this life I hold valuable, nothing that I would want to remember this time. The darkest moments of my life. When I have had my fill I start to walk back to the street but something catches my eyes. Pushing the planks of wood off of it I reach down, picking up the small figurine in my hand.

I stare at it, almost as though it may crumble from my existence with any slight movement. I had completely forgotten about it that night, and part of me makes that sad. I continue to stare down at it, its expression making me laugh.

I never asked him why he gave me the seal, but I don't care. Putting it in my pocket I walk out of the rubble, never looking back.

I have to tell him.