Page 136 of Xavier

It’s unfinished, but there’s no doubt what it’s was meant to be.

And there’s no doubt that it came from her.

The background stretches outward in an array of vibrant colors that surround the central image; one hand outstretched to another.

Me and her. Hers and mine.

I’m just not sure who is the one offering their hand and who is the one taking it.

In my mind, I always thought it was me.

All this time.

Even now.

I thought I was the one meant to be saving her.

But she had it right all along, we were meant to save each other.

Even by not telling me about what had happened with her attack, and then subsequently her shame about doing what she needed to survive, she wasn’t protecting herself. She was protecting me.

All this time, I thought I was the one protecting her. I thought fighting over her was the same thing as fighting for her.

I was wrong.

Fuck. I’ve been so wrong!!

I stare at the unfinished mural, hidden under layers and layers of history.

Unfinished. Just like us.

No. We need to continue what we started. And something tells me, that starts with her finishing this mural.

I stand back, taking a mental picture with my mind.

Malynda, I will help you finish.

If it’s the last thing I ever do for you.

To remind her who she was, and how the things that have happened don’t change that, don’t change who it is she can be now.

That she was put on this earth to make art like this.