Phoenix:
Brian was dead.
The realization made my heart thump painfully against my ribs.
My throat went dry as I stared at him.
He was smiling. I never saw him smiling like this, but right now, he had the gentlest smile on his face.
"Don't be scared of me, Phoenix," he squeezed his lips together.
I swallowed hard, my hand curling at my sides, "I..." My eyes flicked to the table where he had been fiddling.
His fingers were absently brushing over a small glass trinket, like he had all the time in the world.
"I'm sorry," I whispered as guilt clawed my heart, "I'm sorry for what happened, Brian. I …."
My voice cracked, but before I could finish, he laughed. It was not a cruel laugh, but it sounded more like he was trying to shake off my guilt.
He shook his head, his lips tugging into a tired smile, "It wasn't your mistake. I was way out of line, Phoenix. I deserved it."
This sting in my chest deepened.
