Two days later, Athena sat motionless on the balcony bench, her elbows resting on her knees, her gaze fixed on nothing in particular. The afternoon breeze brushed past her, but it did nothing to stir the heaviness settling in her chest. Her mind was far away—lost in faces she could barely remember clearly anymore.
The creak of the gate pulled her back.
Madeline walked in, still in her school uniform, her bag slung over one shoulder. She spotted Athena immediately and, without a word, crossed the distance between them and sat beside her.
"Don't tell me you're still thinking about this matter?" Madeline asked, trying for a light tone.
Athena turned her head slightly. "How was school today?"
Madeline sighed and placed her hand over Athena's, grounding, warm. "Athena."
Athena hummed faintly in response.
"It's not your fault," Madeline said softly. "You don't have to blame yourself."
Athena nodded, slow and tired. "I know. I just… can't stop thinking about my mom and my brother." Her voice dropped. "I don't even know if they're alive. Or if they're okay. Even if they are alive… I know nothing. I'm completely clueless."
Madeline swallowed, then smiled gently. "I'm sure they're fine. They're just waiting for you to save them."
"I hope so."
"All you have to do," Madeline continued, squeezing her hand, "is toughen up and be their hero."
Athena's lips pressed together. "I will."
"Okay." Madeline studied her face, frowning slightly. "Smile for me."
"Leave me alone."
"I won't."
Without warning, Madeline reached out and tickled her sides. Athena resisted for barely a second before laughter burst out of her, raw and unexpected. They laughed together, breathless, until Athena slowly stilled.
"But I'm still not sure about something,"
Athena said quietly.
Madeline tilted her head. "What is that?"
"If I can pull through all this safely."
Madeline answered without hesitation. "You'll pull through safely with me here."
Athena turned to her sharply. "What do you have to do with my safety?"
Madeline met her gaze, unwavering. "Because as long as I'm with you, I'll do everything to keep you safe. Even if it threatens my life."
"You dare not," Athena snapped.
"Why not?"
"Athena's voice hardened. "Madeline, promise me one thing."
Madeline hesitated. "What?"
"Promise me that no matter what happens, you will not use your life to protect me."
"…Okay."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Athena finally smiled—small, fragile, but real. "So tell me. How was school today?"
Madeline relaxed. "It was cool."
"When are your exams starting?"
"In two weeks." She glanced at Athena. "Do you want to do it again?"
Athena chuckled softly. "I wanted to. I had two B's and seven A's last year—you know I like my things perfect. But… I don't think I will this time."
"It's fine," Madeline said.
Athena stood up slowly. "Have you eaten lunch?"
"No. What about you?"
"I was waiting for you."
Madeline's eyes widened. "What did you prepare?"
"Grilled chicken," Athena replied. "And I ordered ice cream."
Madeline's face lit up instantly. "Cool!"
Athena gestured toward the door. "Let's go in."
"Okay."
They walked inside together—two girls carrying wounds too heavy for their age, but choosing, at least for now, to face the world side by side.