I Didn't Find Solace

Rest for the Weary

It's storming outside. The lightning's lighting up the sky like nuclear blasts and cracking the sky as thunder explodes, shaking the earth. The rain pours down harder than ever before as the wind howls like thousands of starving spirits. I'm leaning against the wall, staring out the glass door as the storm rages on. Only one friend is near. I feel cold inside.

"Are you okay?" Jasmine asks, gently stroking my long blond hair. I don't look back, but I nod. "Are you at peace now that we're safe from the storm?" I sit still. "All who would see us dead are dead. We want for nothing. We're safe and sound and happy, and we sleep every night."

"…Yeah," I finally squeak out, my voice crackling. It's dark outside, and the night is growing old. I've been awake for too long. Jasmine stayed with me, though. There are no more stories: No more explanations or lies to cover up something we were never strong enough to face. "Thank you,…Jasmine. Sometimes I think you're the only one who ever cared." In my dreams, we stand tall and chase away the storms. We're brave and strong and unafraid.