Chapter 66
“Stop,” I interjected, cutting her off before she could disagree. My voice carried a touch of authority that she couldn’t challenge. “That’s enough, Lily. I’ll drive myself home tonight, so your assistance isn’t required.”
With a heavy heart, she reluctantly lowered her gaze while I stumbled to my feet, feeling as unsteady as a newborn foal. The passage of time seemed irrelevant, as countless hours had passed since my last movement, leaving my entire being aching, rigid, and tormented by the incessant itch of dried blood against my flesh. Determined not to succumb to these discomforts, I pressed forward, venturing outside to behold the night sky, its deep darkness enveloping the world. Without hesitation, I aimed straight for my automobile.
“Winona! Where do you think you’re off to?” a voice suddenly called out.
To my surprise and delight, it was none other than Benjamin, his familiar voice resonating in the air.
Since he departed to coordinate with the search teams, I hadn’t laid eyes on him, and I certainly didn’t anticipate crossing paths with him again prior to my departure. He had taken on the arduous task of orchestrating the entire expedition, leaving him undoubtedly swamped with responsibilities.
“…Home,” I whispered under my breath as I continued my stride.
“Is that all? Come on, at least hang around and tidy up first. You’re still… oh.”
‘You’re still drenched in Ava’s blood,’ I mentally added, completing his sentence.
“It’s alright. I’ll handle the cleanup at my place.”
I was about to turn away, but he swiftly closed the gap between us until he stood at my side. I couldn’t bring myself to meet his gaze, preferring to focus on anything else in my surroundings.
“I don’t think it’s wise for you to be alone right now,” he gently objected. “Please… just stay a little longer. You can freshen up, and I’ll sort out some clean clothes for you.”
He genuinely cared about my well-being. Just like Lily had, and everyone else who had been casting concerned glances my way throughout the agonizing hours I spent motionless in the living room.
Nah, I had this strong urge to be on my own, you know? I figured it would be better if I embraced my solitude from now
“Well, seriously, I’m good, Benjamin,” I responded, swiftly dismissing his suggestion.
He paused, probably racking his brain for any other persuasive words, but eventually let out a sigh of surrender. “…Alright,” he uttered, with a hint of awkwardness in his voice.
He fidgeted a bit, as if he had something else to say, but instead, he surprised me by doing something unexpected.
…He wrapped his arms around me… and gave me a real, genuine hug. From Benjamin.
“I apologize for this unfortunate incident,” he whispered gently, his voice caressing my ear. “She didn’t deserve such
treatment. And neither do you.”
As his touch reached me, my entire body immediately stiffened, freezing in place. It was the closest proximity we had ever been, allowing me to catch a whiff of his familiar fragrance. Even after all this time, it still felt peculiar to detect his refreshing forest scent without the bond we once shared. For six long years, that aroma had been pure bliss for me. But since his heart-wrenching rejection, it had transformed into my personal torment:
However, his embrace was the last thing I anticipated; the very last act I believed him capable of. Especially on a day like today, when I was painfully reminded of Isabella and our shared history, it only intensified my discomfort.
This was the man who had loved that detestable woman. The man who had chosen her over me. The man who had
bestowed his mark upon her.
…And she had taken the life of my dearest friend. She had mercilessly ended the existence of someone who posed no threat to her whatsoever. Ava’s only crime was being important to me.
These past few years have forced me to develop a skill-the ability to separate the two Benjamins. One Benjamin, the tormentor who inflicted pain and abuse on me, while the other appeared younger and different, perhaps even kinder. I believed I could make a positive impact on the latter, the Benjamin I saw potential in.
However, tonight presented a challenge. Considering everything that had unfolded, it became difficult for me to maintain that distinction. I no longer resembled the ‘me’ I had
grown accustomed to. Gone was the courageous, resilient ‘Winona,’ ready to conquer any obstacle.
No, under the current circumstances, I felt myself reverting to the old Winona. And in that state, fear consumed me. I felt isolated, afraid, and burdened by worry. There was a constant dread of losing someone else I held dear.
Benjamin stood before me, a constant reminder of those all- too-familiar emotions. He represented someone I deeply cared about, and that only intensified my apprehensions.
His grip finally released after what felt like an eternity, but I remained motionless, as if trapped in an icy stillness, my mind struggling to make sense of the overwhelming chaos within.
Breaking the silence, he whispered, “I apologize…” His words hung in the air, barely audible.
Under normal circumstances, a part of me might have carried a sense of guilt. Perhaps I would have found the strength to reciprocate his embrace. Yet, in that moment, my heart had become numb. There was no space left within me to
accommodate any other emotions.
With a flat tone, I finally managed to utter, “Benjamin, thank you for everything.”
I could sense his eyes piercing through me, but I resisted the urge to meet his gaze. Instead, I chose to divert my attention towards the keys clutched in my hand as I made my way towards the car. With each step, I distanced myself further from him.
Seated in the driver’s position, I fixated my gaze straight ahead, focusing solely on the steering wheel. Its surface bore
the haunting imprints of bloody hands, serving as a stark reminder that this nightmare was all too real. Today had truly unfolded, and unlike a car’s maneuverability, there was no going back.
For Ava, however, there was no chance of a turnaround. She, who had considered herself utterly ordinary, had met her demise without me ever having the opportunity to convey the depth of her significance.
