Page 18 of Ruin

The world suddenly looks a lot brighter. The noises a little louder.

Like I was experiencing life in 2-D, and I’ve just upgraded to 3-D.

I sit next to Zeus, letting go of his hand, and the attendant shuts the door, securing us in.

We move up for the next car to be filled. Going up and around as each car fills for the actual ride. Dusk quickly turns to dark.

Then, we’re moving.

“So, you live with your aunt?” Zeus’s voice moves through the dark, making the hair rise on my arms in the best possible way.

“Yeah. My mom died when I was three, and my dad wasn’t around, so my aunt Elle took me in. She’s great.”

“She sounds like it. Sorry about your mom.”

I shrug. “I don’t remember her, so I don’t remember losing her. But I don’t remember having her either, which is what sucks most.”

“Yeah…” His voice sounds pensive. “But maybe it’s not such a bad thing—not having to feel the pain of losing her, you know.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. Anyway, sorry to bring the mood down.” I turn my face to him.

“You haven’t.” He gives me a gentle smile.

“What about you?” I ask.

“What about me?”

“Parents? Brothers and sisters?”

He stares ahead. “Dad. My mom died last year.”

Ah.

His solemn observation makes a lot more sense now.

“Shit. Sorry.” I wince.

“Don’t be.” He shrugs. “She had been sick for a long time. Cancer.”

“Fuck cancer, right?” It’s all I can think of to say, but it must be the right thing because he looks back at me, a small smile touching his lips.

“Yeah, fuck cancer,” he agrees.

“What about brothers and sisters?”

“Two brothers. One sister.”

“Wow. That must be awesome.”

“That’s not the word I’d use.” He chuckles.

“I would love to have siblings.”

“You can have mine if you want.”

I laugh. “If only. Tell me about them.”

“Ares is two years younger than I am.”