New York, June 1925
You stood toe to toe with Credence, yours arms firmly wrapped around his waist holding him close. Your head resting upon his shoulders, fighting back the tears that dared to balance upon the edge. "It's going to be alright" You whispered those words breming with comfort over and over again, slowly becoming a mantra for the two of you. Keeping you both from falling over into the spiral of madness and sorrow.
For but a moment, Credence would need to lick his wounds, both the physical and emotional retrospectively. He did not utter a word, just stood there leaning in the welcomed embrace of one who showed kindness when it was needed more than ever.
The marks that he now bore were a mix of lasting and temporary scars. The sad reality of which you knew he would be required to return to for now at least. It was a facade that had to be kept intact in order to maintain some semblance of peace between the two worlds.
As there was no doubt in your mind that his sudden disappearance would the spark the flame of something much darker within the twisted depths of the mind and heart of Mary Lou Barebone into life.
For now you could not risk it, your heart dropped into the pits of your stomach. The mere thought hurt, cutting you more deeply. You struggled to find the words, wishing that you could do more than simply stand, watch and wait.
Never before had you felt more like a coward than this moment. The words that you were mere seconds from uttering would solidify that.
"You have to go back Credence"