Ok, so here is Lisbon's chapter. I thought it'd be appropriate with the first Lisbon-centric episode. Thank you to everyone who's reading and especially those who review!
Solace
She watches as they take the body away, her hand instinctively reaching for the object around her neck.
Another life on her conscience.
She closes her eyes, hoping that no one is paying attention, silently asks for forgiveness.
The metal is warm against her skin, a comforting, familiar presence.
It doesn't absolve her but it makes the weight a little easier to bare.
The memories linger,
Smiling faces on a bright summer's day,
Her mother takes her aside, holds up the delicate chain and slips it around her neck. Murmurs in her ear. Promises it will protect her, watch over her.
Arms holding her tightly
A gentle voice singing her to sleep.
When she opens them again the world has already moved on, the sirens are fading, people are busy clearing up the scene, everyone but the blond man observing her from across the lot.
Typical that he would catch her personal moment.
Weary, she gathers her defenses, meets his gaze steadily, almost in challenge
Her faith is a private thing, her guilt, her memories are not for others to see, not even him.
Relief, as he nods and walks back to the car, gives her space.
Later when she's back at her apartment, she sifts through a box of old photographs, looks at the faces and offers a quiet prayer.
This humble ritual is her solace;
Not in a church surrounded by strangers but in her own place with the people she holds dear.
She prays for her mother first, then for her brother's wellbeing, finally her father, always in that order.
Then just as she's putting the box away she thinks of him and the sadness behind those unfathomable eyes.
So she adds another name to the list, just this once
Hoping, as she turns off the lights, that someday he will find solace too.
I might go an write something longer for her now.
Cho is next;)