Page 40 of Brick

My heart sinks at the realization. This is for Wendy. The thought washes over me like a wave, and I’m instantly overcome with gratitude and sorrow. I take a step closer, my eyes welling with tears as I admire the beauty Brick is creating for my sister.

“Luna!” Brick exclaims, turning around, his expression shifting from concentration to surprise. “You weren’t supposed to see this yet.”

But I can’t help myself. I rush over to him, my heart swelling with emotion, and I wrap my arms around him tightly. The warmth of his body envelops me, and for a brief moment, I forget the pain we’re both carrying.

I lean in, wanting to give him a kiss, a way to express my gratitude and love, but he turns his head away, the moment slipping through my fingers like sand. “You don’t have to do that,” he says, his voice strained. “I don’t know how you can want to kiss me after what I’ve done.”

His words hit me hard. I pull back slightly, searching his eyes. I can see the guilt etched into his features, the weight of blame he carries. “Brick, it wasn’t your fault,” I say firmly, cupping his facein my hands. “You did everything you could. Because of you, I got to see Wendy one last time.”

I feel the heat of his shame, but I refuse to let him sink into it. “You don’t have to carry this alone,” I continue, my voice softening. “I don’t want you to leave me too. You promised me forever.”

He looks at me, his blue eyes searching mine for a moment, and I can see the conflict there. “I just... I couldn’t save her,” he whispers, anguish lacing his words.

I shake my head, my heart aching for him. “You fought for her. You fought for both of us. I know that.” I lean in closer, my forehead resting against his, hoping to share my strength with him. “Please don’t blame yourself. Wendy wouldn’t want that."

Brick sighs deeply and holds me tighter against his body before dropping his head down so his forehead rests against mine. "I'm so fucking sorry, Sweetness. I wish with everything inside me that something different would've happened. I'd give anything for that."

Rubbing his back, doing my best to soothe him, I whisper, "I know Brick. Trust me, I know."

This time when I lean up to press my lips against his, he doesn't move away; instead, he groans and drinks me in like I'm the nourishment he's been needing for the past few days. To be honest, he's that for me too.

Slowly he pulls away and gestures to the large piece of marble on the table.

"So, what do you think? I can do something different if you don't like it."

I smile wide as I look over the nearly finished headstone. "Brick, it's perfect. I didn't know you were so good with your hands. That's amazing." I lean forward and touch the wing of the bird. The detail is absolutely out of this world.

"Yeah, well, I learned a lot of things while I was locked up. It's no big deal, really."

"It absolutely is a big deal." I nudge him with my hip, but I don't take my eyes off the piece. Looking at it reminds me of something else I let slip through the cracks, though. I don't know where my sister is.

"Where's..." I clear my throat, trying to force the frog from inside it, "Where's my sister's body? Is it still at the railyard?"

"Luna, no!" Brick answers quickly. "Well, we didn't know if you wanted to report it or not, but we dug a grave for her in the back. It's marked now until I could finish the headstone. You want me to take you to it?"

"No, not yet. I trust you. I'm sure it's the perfect spot." I smile up at him and turn my head to look at the sculpture again. It truly is perfect for Wendy. Her body may not be here anymore, but I know her spirit is as free as a bird now. She's happy. There's no more pain, no more addiction, no more sadness. It's all I could ever wish for her. I lean further in, Brick's gasp escaping him, and just let his love for me wash through me. It's not hard to see what kind of feelings this man has for me. He may never have said it, but it's there, clear as day.

I’m curled into Brick’s side, the warmth of his body wrapping around me like a safe cocoon. The chaos of the past few days feels distant here, if only for a moment. I breathe in the scent of wood and stone, mixed with the faint hint of sweat, and it calmsmy racing heart. I close my eyes, letting myself sink into the comfort of his presence.

But then, suddenly, Brick tenses beside me. I feel the shift in his body, the way he becomes a rigid wall of muscle. Before I can even register what’s happening, he yanks me behind him, his protective instinct kicking in. My heart races, panic flooding my veins. I swear I hear him growl, a low and primal sound that sends chills down my spine.

I peer around him cautiously, my breath hitching as I spot a woman at the door. She stands there, uncertainty etched across her features, and I can’t help but feel a rush of fear. My heart pounds in my chest, memories of the chaos from the past days flashing through my mind. I take a small step back, ready to retreat into the shadows if necessary.

“Get out of here!” Brick barks, his voice a low, commanding growl. I see the woman flinch, her eyes wide with fright.

I glance up at Brick, confusion blending with my fear. He’s on high alert, ready to protect me at any cost, but I can see that the woman is harmless. Something about her demeanor softens my fear, and I step around Brick, my heart racing as I approach her.

“Are you okay?” I ask, my voice shaking slightly. “Do you need anything?”

The woman stutters, her gaze darting between Brick and me. “I’m looking for the electrician… the one who came to help me the other day. I was told he works in this strip mall.”

I feel a wave of relief wash over me, my heart rate slowly settling. Brick relaxes a little too, his posture easing as he assesses the situation.

“Light?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady. “You’re looking for Light?”

The woman nods, her fear beginning to dissipate as she senses that we’re not a threat. “Yes, that’s him! I need some help with the wiring at my house.”

"Just wait outside, please. I'll get him over here for you." Brick nods his head, and the woman agrees quickly, making her way out of Brick's workshop.

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