Father stiffens at the sight of him. Nils holds up a metal thermos sheepishly, careful to avoid eye contact with Father. Rather than come any closer, he hangs back.
The silence is suffocating.
Father stands. “I’d better be going.”
With that, he turns and leaves.
Once he’s gone, Nils hesitantly approaches the bed. He holds the thermos out to me.
“Thank you,” I tell Nils, struggling to reach out and take it. As soon as I do, my brother turns toward the door. I guess he can’t wait to leave, even if it means following Father.
I stare at the thermos, the metal cold in my hand.
With my arm pinned down, I can’t even unscrew the lid.
Nils hesitates, glancing over his shoulder. Noticing my frustration, he frowns as he looks at my broken arm. He casts one last look at the door before walking over to me.
“Let me.” Reluctantly, he reaches for the thermos and unscrews the lid. “When Mom told me you were attacked, I… I didn’t realize it was so bad.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“This should help with the pain anyway.” Nils can’t meet my eyes as he hands me back the open thermos. “I made this especially for you.”
“Thank you, Nils.”
He gives me a sad look, his eyes watery. “Don’t thank me yet.”
I sip the warm tea, only to grimace. “It tastes awful.”
“I know,” Nils says with an apologetic laugh. “But it’ll help you heal quickly.”
He hesitates on his way out. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re okay.”
“Wait,” I say, not wanting to lose this opportunity. This is the most we’ve spoken in years. If being attacked is what it takes for Nils to talk to me again, then it will be worth it. “I’m sorry.”
Nils lingers in the doorway. “For what?”
“I’m sure you know.” I try to sit up, only to be met with a sharp pain. “I wasn’t there for you when you needed me.”
Nils falls quiet. For a long moment, he says nothing, then clears his throat like he’s overcome by emotion. “Don’t worry about that now. Just worry about getting better.”
He disappears, and I slam my fist into the bed.Damn it.
I chug the rest of the bitter medicine. My throat burns, but at least it’s done with. Before my head can even hit the pillow, my eyes are already closing. Whatever this tea is made from, it works fast. I’d expect nothing less from Nils.
Sleep claims me before long.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVENEDITH
When I show up for psychology on Monday morning, no one is there. Am Ithatlate? On the board, Maeve has written a note.Doing something different today. Meet by the crater. Be prepared to share.Below that, she has different groups, with a specific time written next to each.
Great. I have no idea what this means or where I’m supposed to go.
Footsteps echo behind me, and I’m aware of someone moving closer.
My neck prickles.Isaac?
I turn quickly, reaching for my dagger.
