Dark Realm 67
Brinley stared through Fina. “Can you heal him?”
“I’m trying. It’s good to see you, Brinley. Where did you go?”
“Let’s not pretend we’re friends. And let’s not pretend you’re happy to see me. You’re not my watcher.” Brinley spat walking by Fina. Joy tried to follow her friend, but Fina grabbed her wrist. “Let her go. We need to give her the space she needs. She will speak to you when she is ready to.”
“I hope you’re right.” Joy shrugged. “I really do.”
Brinley tapped on Herman’s door. “Come in, Brinley,” Herman called out.
“How do you do that?” Brinley pushed open the door to walk inside.
Herman patted the spot on the bed next to him. “Why are you so angry?”
Brinley sat on the edge of his bed. “I don’t know.” She bowed her head.
“You can try to lie to yourself but please don’t try to lie to me.” Herman patted her knee. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course.”
“Why did you close your heart? You were so loving before, but now you have a heart of stone.”
“I’m not sure I was ever happy or loving, just confused. I thought Jackson could be the one, but he’s afraid of me. Most people are afraid of me.”
“I’m not afraid of you.” Herman squeezed her hand.
“I know.” Brinley smiled. “I guess Joy was right about my pity party because I lost sight of what was right in front of me. Jackson asked me on a date, only to tell me he was leaving. He left because of me. So, yeah, I felt sorry for myself. I’m pissed because I don’t know who I am.” Brinley covered her face.
“Oh, my sweet Brinley. We all get our hearts broken. It is a path we all must make, human or not you have a heart, Brinley don’t shut yourself off. We all bear pain at least once in our lives. When I first met you, do you know what I saw?”
“No,” Brinley whispered.
“I saw your loving heart. It was open and beautiful. I know this life is hard on you, but your path is still open. If you close your heart now when it is your turn for love, you will be too numb to receive it.”
“You are dying and it’s my fault. I left. I shouldn’t have left you.” Brinley sniffled.
“Brinley don’t be sad for trying to find out where you belong. I know where you belong, but you must embrace yourself.”
“How do I do that?” Tears flowed down her face.
“Your power stems from your emotions. Emotions are hard to control. Once you learn to rely on yourself the emotions will flow. You will find your inner peace. Love is a powerful emotion. Where did you go?”
“After the meeting with Jackson, I went to the graveyard. That’s where he found me.”
“Who found you?”
“His name is Pyramus. He is the leader of The Travelers. I was so mad but when he found me, he started to teach me to control my movements. At first, I could only wield the power through my right hand, but Pyramus taught me my entire body is a vessel. The power is within me whether I like it or not.”
“He sounds like he is a great teacher.”
“He is. I took off in ignorance and self-loathing. I am here now.” Brinley kissed Herman’s forehead.
“No, Brinley not ignorance. Everyone deals with pain in their own way. You must find your way. I am happy you have returned.”
“How long has Fina been here?”
Herman shrugged. “I’m not sure, maybe a few days. It all starts to meld in together after a while.”
“Can she heal you?”
“Stop worrying about me. I am an old man.”
“You didn’t answer the question.”
“And I don’t mean to.” Herman smiled.
Brinley nibbled on her bottom lip.
“No.”
Brinley glanced over at him. “What?” She shrugged.
“You cannot heal me.”
“But why? Let me try.”
Herman shook his head. “You cannot cure or heal old age.”
“Please, let me try,” Brinley begged.
“No, I won’t allow that. Please do not ask me again. We all have choices to make. I regret nothing. I have loved nothing more than to meet you and bring joy to Joy.” Herman chuckled. “I was not blessed with having children, but I do have two daughters. Sisters fight but they always remain sisters.”
Brinley sniffled.