Strings of Fate

Strings of Fate

196- Rescue and retreat

Darrien is the closest to her and he sees her at the same time I do. He takes a step towards her and she whimpers in fear. He freezes and backs away slowly, trying not to startle her. I gesture for everyone else to stay back and take a few steps closer. I stop a good metre away from the little table and then slowly lower myself to the floor. Kneeling down so that I can see her properly. Kiara is covered in soot and I can see little trails of tears smudging around on her face. She is still crying and whimpering. I am careful to keep my voice gentle and calm.

“Kiara?” I call her name. She doesn’t answer or look up, but her whimpering quiets a little and I can see her tensing up like she’s listening carefully.

“Kiara sweetheart. You’re safe now. You can come out. We can get some something to eat, you can have a nice bath and some clean clothes. How does that sound?” I try to sound soothing. Her crying stops and she looks up at me with wide, teary, red–rimmed eyes. She doesn’t speak, but she does meet my eyes. I keep going.

“You know what else sounds really nice? A warm blanket and a hot chocolate. I bet we can find some of those little. marshmallows somewhere too. Do you like hot chocolates?” I prompt, Kiara gives a tiny nod, so small that I can barely

see it.

“Me too. I don’t know if you remember my name, but I’m Ryann. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. We’re friends, remember?” I tell her gently. She gives another nod, stronger this time. I hold out a hand to her.

“Would you like to get out of here sweetheart? You can come home with me and we can get you cleaned up. We have

this

super nice bathtub, I bet you’ll love it.” She doesn’t move right away and I stay still, holding my hand out to her. I don’t want to rush her. She’s been through a lot. She’s had no control over her life for weeks now, I won’t force her to move. I can stay here all night if I need to. Luckily, that doesn’t seem to be necessary. She slowly inches out of her hiding place. She hesitate

at me and clings to my hand with both of hers. So tight that it’s painful, but there is no way I’m going to complain. I start to get to my feet and pull her up to hers–But she sways and her knees buckle a little. I don’t know if it’s due to her physical

instantly whimpers again and presses her face into me. I stroke a hand through her knotted hair as carefully as I

“Shh, it’s o

to her.

He’s been working really hard to help me find you.”

her. This seems to be enough

in here still. You don’t have to go anywhere you don’t want to go, but would you like to come outside with us to get some fresh air? It might make it a bit

They are all good friends and you are safe, but if you want

1/2

Rescue and

hand.” 1 offer. Kiara looks very hesitant and I can see fear in her eyes. She bites her lip and stares at the floor for a second before nodding again. Bellamy checks that the towel on his waist is secure, then slowly steps forward.

my waist.

your knees to pick you up, okay? You just let me of Ryann know

you down.”

tells has

slowly moves to pick her up.

the doorway. I can see pain and sympathy in Megan’s eyes.

but she

Bellamy’s sister Megan and our friend Darrien. They’ve been helping us look for you. Kiara squeezes my hand tightly and tucks her chin into her chest, avoiding their eyes. I use my