In Deeper Waters

by F.T. Lukens

He didn’t need to cry over odd boys who made him smile, then disappeared.

At least in Garrett’s stories Tal would be the hero, and not the villain he was so scared of becoming.

Who was this boy who valued sea glass the same as pearls and gold? Who was he to smile slyly and tease Tal and touch him casually and make his heart race?

“You did drink a bit.” Athlen chuckled, the sound of it echoing in the small space. “Hardly affected me.” “You were butchering the lyrics of several songs.” “I was singing.” “You were caterwauling.”

“Garrett was right. You are a little shit when you want to be.”

And I’m not sad you’re leaving. You’ve been a pain in my neck since you showed up at my door with the things my mother needed.” “Dara,” Tal said with a roll of his eyes and a slight smile, “that’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me.”

“The world isn’t kind,” Tal said as Garrett held him at arm’s length, the flames of the torch flickering from the ground, casting them both in eerie shadows. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t be.”