Thomas Flair: encouragement
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Just as quickly as they appeared, the teens dispersed back to their temporary beds. In moments, Noel and I were left alone again.
I picked the Pendant up to look at the engravement closer.
The cupped hands looked as if they were lifting something up.
“So is that my job?” I asked, more to myself than to Noel. “Yours is to lead, and mine is to lift people up?”
“This is amazing! You got one, and next, everyone will get one. Maybe we need them to bring our families back!” Noel jumped a little in her seat.
I nodded with less enthusiasm.
“Come on.” She stood up. “Let’s get to bed. Who knows what’s going to happen tomorrow.” She walked over to the door before turning around to face me. “Good night, Thomas.”
“Night, Noel,” but she had already disappeared into the hallway.
I stayed a few minutes more before turning off the lamp and retreating to the living room.
Stepping carefully to assure I did not wake any of the boys, I found my empty sleeping bag and slid under the cover.
Hunter, whose makeshift bed was right next to mine, flipped on his side to face me.
“Congrats, Thomas.” He smiled.
“Thanks.”
“I wonder what mine will be.” He turned onto his back and stared at the ceiling.
“Don’t rush it ok? You’ll find it.” I encouraged him, suddenly reminded of the reason I was given this Flair.
“Yeah.” He was silent for a moment. “Hey, Thomas?”
“Yes?”
“I got your back.”
Now it was my turn to smile at him. “Thanks. And I got yours.”
Both silently agreeing to our newfound friendship, we slowly let the darkness take over, enjoying the few minutes of relief from this world.
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