Page 53 of Frozen Flames

The best part of today is the sun shining brightly and my morning walk to the closet.

Audrey doesn’t stop talking even when we get back to my place.

For a split second, I think about what Gemma would say if she knew that Claire brought her sister here for the afternoon, but then again, Gemma gets rides from her boss and went on a trip with him, so I think it’s safe to fucking say that I can decide for myself as well.

“This is a cute little home you have here,” Audrey compliments once we’ve gathered around the table.

“Well, thank you.” I nod at her in thanks.

“You know, I have multiple sclerosis,” she says randomly.

“That’s unfortunate. I’m sorry to hear that.”

“No worries. I’m used to it, I guess. I’ve had health issues since I was young. It all started when I went blind in one eye. I got my eyesight back after starting medication,thank God.”

Shit.

“That must’ve been really scary for you,” I tell her.

“Yeah, it was.” The solemn sound of her voice makes me feel bad for them all. As a family, to constantly have a child experiencing illness must not be easy.

The pain in Claire’s eyes is noticeable, if only for a second. I understand the weight of looking out for your younger sibling.

Thankfully, Hen was never sick.

Audrey continues. “You know, treatment makes it bearable. I do experience weakness in my legs sometimes, and extreme migraines and fatigue, but the blindness and the hospital stays to figure out all my health issues were the worst parts.”

Claire clears her throat. “She…had a lot of respiratory infections as a child too. She’s a strong one.” She puts her hand on her sister’s arm, looking at her fondly.

It’s obvious they share a special bond.

We end up playing cards at Claire’s request, no doubt to boost the mood. I serve them chips and candy with pop, hoping this will put a smile on the teen’s face after suffering perhaps her first but certainly not her last heartbreak.

We play Crazy Eights.

I win all the rounds.

“Harvey, you’re not allowed to play anymore. You’re too good!” Claire’s teasing me, and I don’t miss the way Audrey stares at us, smirking.

“Hey…I came in second each time.” Audrey pouts. “But looks like there’s a first time for everything. Mwahaha.” She laughs jokingly, setting her cards down, indicating she won this round.

“Good job, kid!” I high-five her.

Claire sports a mega smile on her face as she gathers the cards to shuffle the deck again. She’s happy, and it shows.

“You know, I thought about it, and screw Dylan,” Audrey says.

“Audrey!” Claire sighs.

“What? I’m just saying…” Audrey shrugs, eating a worm candy.

Time flies with these two. Their banter and Audrey’s monologues are honestly the best. Audrey somewhat reminds me of Henrik—like two peas in a pod.

Evening catches up with us too quickly.

After we eat pizza, Claire gets up to tidy the kitchen. Audrey doesn’t hesitate then to ask me how it feels to be in a wheelchair.

She whispers the question, no doubt knowing that her sister would give her shit for it, but I don’t mind. All people want from me is to “progress,” “get better,” and “move on with my life,” so it’s refreshing for me to share my actual feelings.

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