“Frambuesas…” I hum, watching her flit closer, until she’s on the nearest branch. “Y crema…”
My chest is warm with the memory of raspberry pancakes and whipped cream. It was so long ago, it’s fuzzy; playing like a worn old home movie that’s distorted over time. But that part still stands out.
Me and my twin sister,together.Eating pancakes.
It’s one of the last real memories of them I have left.
Avia the sparrow swoops down, taking the piece of bread, brushing my finger as she does. It fills me with so much sudden emotion, I could crumple to the ground.
“I just… wanted so badly to get you back,” I whimper, defeated.
But then she comes back. She flies over with her bread and lands right on the edge of the fountain, just on the other side of the bars. My sadness fades a bit, and I smile.
“You always did look out for me,” I sniff.
Footsteps stride down this way, in our direction. Of course, Avia flies away.
I don’t blame her. I would too if I could.
At least, I hope I would…
Kent comes to deliver my dinner, via an opening just big enough to fit a tray. Like in the prison.
Still, I can’t possibly compare this place to that dank hole where I thought I was going to die. Sure, I’m locked away in here too, but this feels more like I’m a writer refusing to leave the fancy hotel suite until I finish my novel.
Kent slides a tray inside for me. The food smells incredible. Roast lemon-herb chicken and vegetables.
I’m drooling.
“Enjoy… Ari,” Kent says, and my face springs.
He’s giving me a peculiar look, as if he’s partially teasing, while calling me out. It’s odd.
I’ve never known him to be more than a human-shaped chunk of indifference…
Recalling that I’m still wearing only my robe, I adjust it to make sure it’s not hanging open even a little. Blinking at him, watching him watching me.
“You do look like her, you know?” He rumbles. My spine stiffens. “I can’t believe I didn’t see it before…”
I feel the color drain from my face. Rushing up to the bars that separate us, I grab the brass in my fists. “You’ve seen my sister?” He stares, and I growl, “Answer me. Please… I deserve to know where she is. If she’s okay…”
He takes in a breath, chest rising and falling, too slowly. “It’s not my place. I’m sure he’ll tell you… When he’s ready.”
My jaw sets. “Fuck him. I want to talk to my sister, goddammit!”
He lifts his shoulder in a noncommittal way. I want to bash him in the face with this sterling silver tray. “We’ve lost her again. She’s a slippery one… Like you.” His dark eyes hold mine. “A master of camouflage.”
I keep staring at him, attempting to decode the ominous riddle of his words. I’m just praying Avianna isokay.
Free, and living on her own terms. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for her.
If we can’t be together again, then I just need to know she’s safe and happy.
Kent turns to leave, but I call after him, “Hey… can I ask you something?”
He faces me again, head slanting as an opening for my question.
I’m not sure why I’m engaging with him, and I’m not foolish enough to believe he’d reveal anything to me, but call it my morbid curiosity. After being here for so long…
