I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I will. I can’t keep going on like this— for either of our sakes. I have to be honest with her, and with myself. I love her.”
As I dropped the final thread, I felt the weight in my chest lighten. Tears continued pouring out of my eyes, but I finally felt like I could wipe them away. Oberi pressed his head into my hand, and I scratched him behind the ears. That wasn’t good enough, though. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him into my lap, burying my face into his fur. Oberi pressed his forehead to my chest, and for the longest time, we just sat there. Not speaking— just feeling.
I didn’t know how much time passed before I finally drew away from him, but I knew that for the first time in my life, I didn’t feel so burdened. It wasn’t completely gone, and maybe it never would be, but I finally felt like I could breathe.
Marcus stopped playing music and set his harp aside. “I’m proud of you, man.”
I sniffled. “Is that it? Is it over?”
“Only you can say when it’s done,” Marcus said.
I wiped my nose. “I don’t think I’ll ever be done forgiving people, but right now I feel… pretty damn good. I mean, I feel really crappy, but there’s this hope in my chest, and I just feel like everything’s going to be okay.”
“I hope you’re right,” Marcus said. “Your whole ceremony sounded really powerful.”
“Thanks.”
Marcus started gathering his things, then he handed me a blanket. “We’re locked out of our dorms, so you might as well find a pew.”
“Thanks but I think I’m good right here,” I said. I lay down on the ground, using Oberi as a pillow. He curled into me, and I scratched him behind the ears.
You okay?I asked him.
I know how hard that was for you,he said. For once, he wasn’t being a snarky asshole. He was genuine.You’re right that you never have to return to your past, Charlie. Because I’m here for you now. Even in death, nothing will ever change that.
Thank you, Oberi. That means the world to me.
I snuggled into the blanket and closed my eyes. It struck me how familiar it was to sleep on the ground. But this was different. Though I was in a prison, and my conditions were less than ideal, I’d never slept so well in my life.
In the morning, I’d make things right again. I’d find Ava, and I’d tell her how I felt.
Everything would be as it was meant to be. I could hardly wait to take her in my arms.
She misses you, too,Oberi said, and I smiled. For the first time in a long while, things were looking up.
* * *
Bang!
I startled awake to the sound of a slamming door. Marcus gasped, and Rishi gave a squeak. I sat up, wondering what was going on.
Marcus rushed over to me and grabbed the back of my shirt, yanking me to my feet. He must’ve subconjured the blanket, because it disappeared from on top of me, leaving me cold.
“What time is it?” I asked.
“Sunrise,” Marcus hissed. “Get behind the pews.”
Marcus dragged me between a row of pews, and we ducked down low where we couldn’t be seen. Oberi lay on his belly next to me, and Rishi scurried past me.
It’s the Warden,Oberi told me.I can smell him.
I felt the blood drain from my face.What’s the Warden doing on this side of campus?
Listen,Oberi said.
Footsteps approached. I held my breath, and my heart pounded. Marcus’ breath wavered beside me.
“This is taking too long,” the Warden’s harsh voice filled the chapel. He was angry.
