Capítulo 14: Chapter 14

The door to the restroom opened and Arik flinched. He pulled back against the wall and swallowed a whine, even as criticism rose inside his chest to hiss at his reaction.

Recollection mocked him. Memory tried to step in and set up camp. It was as if cigarette-smoking, cold-eyed generals began peeking from around corners, leering. “All right, boys,” imagination offered. “Maybe we can finally get this show on the road again. Gentlemen, arm yourselves.”

“Arik?” Blaze’s voice was low and warm, and cut through the veil of Arik’s thoughts like they were no heavier than gauze. He didn’t reply, though, and his clenched fist tightened that much further on itself.

Blaze’s footsteps were light and slow but he seemed to know exactly where to stop and turn. Dark, oh-so-very-comfy-looking running shoes—long but narrow, aged, but not worn—peeked at Arik from under the divider. “Are you all right? Are you ill?”