Gravebriar

by Casey L. Bond

but just because a thing was forgiven, didn’t mean it was forgotten. I’d once believed that scars and wounds belonged to the one who earned them, but now realized they could be passed down from generation to generation.

his. “I meant it as a compliment.” “I took it as one,” I defended, lying through my teeth but holding my head high. I would not wilt for him. I would not wilt for anyone ever again.

“An ally is not the same thing as a friend.”

Sometimes letting someone go because it was best for them was the most difficult thing in the world.

“In all seriousness,” he began, his smirk spreading, “how do you feel about pet names?” I chuckled darkly. “How do you feel about dying at such a young age?”

“You and I are fortunate enough not to know what it’s like to go truly hungry. But I know what desperation feels like now, and it’s not pleasant. If we can ease it, even a little, why wouldn’t we?”

And what kind of hero would one be if he slaughtered an innocent to attain the glory?”

“Most would say it doesn’t matter how you get to the finish line as long as you cross it before everyone else,”

all things built will one day be broken. Only a fool thinks himself invincible.

“Be careful in whom you place your trust. Sometimes betrayal cuts to the bone. Other times it cleaves the bone in two.”

“What if I countered your reply by saying I’m not sure how to go about this? My entire life has been a falsehood.” I shrugged a shoulder. “What if I tell you mine has been, too? So, maybe the answer is to navigate the uncharted waters together.”

The truth was freedom, I realized. Lies were what bound a person.

“It still has to be you and me against them all. Not because anyone is our enemy now, I hope, but because we are stronger together than we are apart. The near future is going to be fraught with difficulties, but… if you’re with me, I know it’ll be okay.” “I’m with you,” I promised. “No matter what happens…” he led. “No matter what.”

It happened when fear was too great to contain and contact was the only thing that could solve it. Contact with your beast. Mother used it when raking her hands down her fine clothing...

“If you’re the briar, I wish to be the stem strong enough to support you, to see you grow.”