Page 76 of Upon Buried Embers
“What if it isn’t enough?”
“Then find something that is.”
I glance at him as he creeps forward, and I don’t take my eye off of him, even when he crouches, elbows resting on his knees.
“I have nothing.”
“Then look for something else.”
“What?”
“If you have nothing,thinkyou have nothing. Then find something else. Just one thing.”
“How can I find something in the emptiness?”
“Start with something small, but meaningful to you.”
Small but meaningful.
I look around, but I can’t think of anything.
“Effy,” he says.
My eyes fly to his. “She was always better off without me, she would get in trouble because of how she used to help me.”
“That was her choice. That is one thing. Another.”
“I…”
“Another,” he demands, tone full of command.
“B-braiding,” I blurt out. “I can learn to braid my own hair.”
He nods. “Good. And talking to Serah. Claim a part of who you are.”
“How do you know I do that?”
“Because I listen, and I watch.”
My cheeks heat.
“One more.” I shrug. I don’t know.
I bite my lip and he eyes me, his stare intense.
“What about me?”
“What?”
“I’m not small, however,” he smirks. “Including me, that’s three things, now, give it to me.” He gestures at the poker, and after a moment, I hand it over. He places it back in the fire, never once taking his eyes off of me. “Let me see.”
He reaches forward and grasps my chin, rubbing his thumb over my burning cheek. His eyes focused on it.
“Nora will come and speak to you at some point and offer her apologies. Melle told us what happened.”
“I didn’t mean to upset her. I swear,” I whisper.
“I believe you,” he says, eyes meeting mine. “Nora will receive adequate punishment, though it will be lenient.”
