Treasure admired Luigi’s quick mind and often their debates were entertaining as both made points of intrest and both points were well argued. She took a sip of her tea and continued on then paused again as Luigi spoke of counting. She looked to his hand and tilted her head taking note of him holding his tea cup. “I am sure the strangeness will wear off and the bandages do not assist much in the grasping of things.” She began hesitantly. “And you still have a finger Luigi, though tis now shorter.” Again she broke off and cleared her throat then opened the book again to re-read the page as he had requested but her hand soothed the page and her breath was shakily inhaled.. Then she looked at him once more, her eyes large and thoughtful her voice low and husky when she continued “What you did Luigi, you saved her from a fate worse than death. Tis a badge of honor that you will always carry.” She wanted to say more but could not find the words and as he merely nodded at her words she returned to the written word and let her voice filter the stillness once again. This time there was no banter, no insight just her voice and soon the gentle snores of Luigi having drifted to sleep on the melody of the story she read.
Glancing up from the book she studied his peaceful features and hoped that he had found some measure of peace with her words. For if he had not been there, had not stopped what could have been….She gave a shiver and slowly closed the book and setting it aside let her thoughts drift till she and her younger brother were racing through the gardens as fat drops of rain began to fall. She could smell the rain, the wet earth the flowers from her beloved mothers roses. Her face tilted up as the drops settled upon her face, the love she felt for her brother, the joy in that moment would stay with her forever. Both had been laughing so hard that neither were aware of the danger that would soon come..of the death she blamed herself for. Gritting her teeth she squeezed her eyes shut and battled the tears that she would not allow to fall. It was her fault, no matter what was said, she should have saved him…Rising angrily she fluidly paced yet again, restless energy prodding her to movement and to forget by pushing herself past the limits.
She slowed taking in the peaceful Luigi and her gaze was drawn to his hand and realized that all had their own demons to face, it was how you faced them that made you who you were.