▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

❝Apollo. You will never leave me, will you?❞

❝Never.❞

❝I've been dreaming about you for years. I've longed for your warmth on every cold night. And now that you're here... I am so scared that this is just a dream. That I will wake up and find you gone.❞

❝No, Calista. This is not a dream; I shall never leave you now. But you must promise never to abandon me either. You must promise never to return to those who have hurt you.❞

❝But my mum must be so worried about me. I should at least let her know that I'm okay.❞

❝Why? What do you owe her? She has never done anything to stop the other kids from bullying you. She always turns a blind eye to your suffering. She doesn't bother spending time with you anymore. She cannot even provide you with enough food to fill your belly.❞

❝But ... she is still my mother. And I know she loves me.❞

❝Love? You thought Daren loved you too and look where that got you. All alone in a dark forest until I came to your rescue. Are you really foolish enough to believe in love after what happened today?❞

❝...❞

❝You humans toss the word "love" around so casually as if it is something to amuse one's self with for a while before discarding the subject of your affections and finding a new toy to play with. That is all you were to Daren. A worthless toy who played herself right into his hands.❞

❝...❞

❝Do you think I am wrong, Calista?❞

•••

Calista pushed back the tears threatening to spill from her eyes as the memory of what had transpired that morning resurfaced. Bile rose in her throat and she shivered, wrapping her arms tightly around herself. Shielding herself from the imaginary hands roaming up and down her body against her will.

•••

❝No, you are absolutely right. Love is a lie.❞

❝And I promise I will stay with you forever.❞

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

do you think Calista is right to trust Apollo so easily?