Empty Adventure

Dina stood silently within the door sill, listening to Tren’s frantic movements. He darted through the house, searching the abandoned building. She knew he would find nothing, but he had to know it. She could hear his need in every step.

Finally, silence echoed through the home, and Dina let out a breath. Not of relief, but sorrow. Tren had reached acceptance. She knew it before his first heavy step on the staircase.

Moving to the base of the stairs, Dina went to her friend as he moved hollowly. His eyes were dead and didn’t register even here. She grasped Tren’s hand, willing him to return.

Tren’s gaze rose from the floor. A hopeful sign, but not even rage flickered in them. Still empty, and falling back to the floor.

“Tren?” Dina asked, quietly. His gaze shifted back to her. “I promise I will help you.”

He yanked his hand out of hers. “Help me? How?”

Dina tried to shove aside the venom in his voice, but she retracted slightly. Stepping forward, she grabbed his wrist. If he wouldn’t hold on, she would. “I will help you.”

“There’s not even a trace of them.” Tren waved his hand, indicating the empty house. Empty of his wife, children, and the life he’d left behind when gone for them all.

Dina pulled back. The words and her guilt struck her like an anvil. She’d failed him. She hadn’t kept his family safe. But hell waters, she would see them free.