Rather than feeling heart warmed by the sentiment of her statement, Marissa felt overwhelmingly sad by it. She’d known that Kat missed her family greatly, missed the country where she grew up like something fierce. But a part of her had always assumed that she was at least content with her independence and the freedom that still being human allowed.
Then again, that was more than likely just her projecting her own thoughts and wishes onto her friend. In some measure living vicariously through Kat’s ability to live a
normal life instead of being looked at or feared for being something
other. At the end of the day, the face she wore now was nothing more than a mask of someone she used to be.
Kat’s love and admiration was definitely felt. Often commenting on how beautiful she looked which had greatly helped her self esteem in moments where Marissa felt unsure of herself. Yet, it felt like in the years that’s passed, she had taken advantage of Kat’s kindness. Greedily accepting her generous words yet offering few in return. Too wrapped up in her own mutated headspace to realize how neglectful she’d been.
“I love you too,” admitted. “Perhaps not in the same way. But I care about you deeply.” More familial like how she viewed Samir; brotherly at times when he wasn’t wearing the mantle of General.
“I wonder, if we could petition the sovereigns, if they might allow us to renovate another house in the ruins next to or near the one Winter and I built.” They
had discussed the possibility of expanding the neighborhood into something more than broken buildings and rubble. Tossed around ideas of functioning facilities or having an actual neighborhood instead of the cramped living spaces of the barracks. Just idle musings but now ones worth considering.
“You’re a captain now, so you wouldn’t be stuck in the Dark Kingdom and could come and go freely.” Otherwise, Marissa would never have suggested such a thing if by moving Kat would make her a prisoner dependent on someone else for travel.
Reply
