Note: This one and
the next can be considered either stand-alone or stand-together.
Somewhere Inside Hiding – challenge reply 4
by Chastity
181 words
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I think I've always loved him. When I was younger, I thought I wanted to emulate him because I admired him so. I thought I fought so hard to gain that nod or glance or touch of approval because I wanted to be part of the team. I thought that the thrill that raced through me when he acknowledged me was joy that training so fiercely had paid off.
After all, no one could get close to him. He lived with his mission, and that left no room for anything else. I could see that after working with him for only a few nights. I guess that's why I buried my love of him so deep.
He's opened up a little since those nights so long ago. Sometimes his stone mask cracks and a feeling slips out. Maybe that's why I'm starting to think about him again.
We've both been taken down time and again by life, and we both reacted by shutting ourselves away. But when his façade finally crumbles, he's going to need someone there.
Could it be me?