Chapter 258: Nightmare II
Gianna couldn’t speak for the first five minutes after Athena’s confession; maybe even longer. Her silence was profound, encasing them both in a heavy atmosphere that felt almost tangible.
There was a type of blank expression on her face, the kind that spoke of numbness and disbelief—the horror of it all was overwhelming. How cruel the world could be, and how could this happen to her friend, to such a good woman?
Gianna remembered meeting Scarlet only once. Athena had made the introduction, describing her as a brilliant colleague in the hospital. Scarlet had lit up the room with her confidence, possessing killer looks that could captivate anyone lucky enough to witness her charm.
Gianna recalled the first glimpse of Scarlet’s infectious laughter, the way her eyes sparkled when she spoke about her work. She had left that meeting feeling inspired, and when the tragic news of Scarlet’s death had reached her, a wave of sadness had washed over her.
To hear the gory details that surrounded Scarlet’s untimely demise was heart-wrenching, terribly shocking—much more so than the revelation that Athena had once worked with the CIA. The weight of it pressed down hard in that moment of shock, squeezing her lungs as she struggled to comprehend what her friend had just revealed.
She finally inhaled softly—the first outward act of her body—when Athena leaned into her, resting her head on her shoulder.
Exhaustion dripped from Athena and as Gianna tried to hold her friend tighter, she noted the frail state and pale complexion of the latter.
It wasn’t just exhaustion alone; Gianna could see the flicker of fear that tainted Athena’s soft features. She knew that her friend was scared—not just frightened but terrified of what she might see or feel in her dreams, of more terrible nights awaiting her.
"Athena..." Gianna began, instinctively rising to offer consolation, but she shut her mouth after a moment’s hesitation. What could she say that would truly reach her friend? What could she do to alleviate this crushing sense of sorrow?
She wetted her lips, slowly draping her hand over Athena’s shoulder, bringing her closer. "I am sorry that all this happened. I wish..."
Her voice trailed off, the unuttered words lingering heavily in the air. I wish you could have told me earlier? That it didn’t have to happen to you?