“Nahlia?”

“What, Tayt?”

“Hold my hands. Wait. Just a little longer. We're snapping back.”

“Oh....”

My possessor snaps us back and I look around the bedroom. I wipe my eyes and face. I nearly fall backward and catch myself, thankful I didn't bump into the closet doors behind me. A heightened chill was running through me. My fingers felt funny. The bullet holes were warm near my fingertips. I could feel the residue in the lush carpet. I watch the surfer hologram surf toward me and nearly jump out of my skin.

“Ah no. It's just that stupid poster.”

Nahlia looks at me and for a minute, we just sit there. I couldn't even tell if it was safe. It felt eerily quiet. Too quiet.

“Where do you think he is?,” I whisper.

“Maybe, he went to the bathroom?” whispers Nahlia.

I look at her. I though about grabbing my things. It was just a bad idea. I snatch up Nahlia's hand and lead her across the carpet. I carefully make my way over the sand and many shoes at the sliding door. I grab the handle very quietly. Her uncle was nowhere in sight. A toilet is heard flushing.

“Please wash your hands. Please wash your hands,” I beg. We needed every second.

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The plumbing echoes down the hallway and I pull Nahlia to me. I immediately open the sliding door and run with her outside the house. My heart was racing.

“Keep up with me!,” I shout back at Nahlia.

“I'm trying, Tayt!”

We both run, until we are far enough away from the house to feel safe. Relief hits me when we reach the beach groupies and start to blend in. I get some stares from being a wounded sky dweller, but it was better than being uncle'd.

“That was the worst experience of my life, Tayt,” exhales Nahlia.

I kick the sand around me. “Mine too.”

My arm was still bleeding a little and forming tiny clumps in the sand. The drips would go away though. I was going to the hospital. That was my plan for the week. Cepertine was a jungle. There was sure to be one lying around nearby.

“Is your arm sore?”

“A little, thanks.”

Nahlia's wounds didn't look so good either. I could tell her head was sore and it bothered me. I hoped that it would heal fast. It made me sick to my stomach.

“I'm taking us to the hospital. Where is it?”

“Sure.” Nahlia replies licking under her nose. She points in the direction she's been before.

We wander around looking aimless, as we pass the many pastel beach towels and umbrellas. Only the true beach lovers stayed out during the wet season. I feel the breeze against my cut. It stung, but was refreshing. Nahlia wraps her arms around her and I pat her back. I actually liked the beach today. It was nicer with less people. There were even sea birds. Maybe a few of them were like me. I wanted to punch Ned in the face for getting in my way. I was starting to cheer up from the peaceful lapses of water. It felt like I had aged a year, back in her bedroom.

I let my feet sink into the wet sand and form puddles to kill the time. The day continues, better than how it began. I wish I could take Nahlia somewhere safer for the whole season. Even if it had to be somewhere on the other side of the world.