The City Of Astan

Sam

I nod and take his hand, "C'mon then."

Louis

I wrap my arm around her waist instead and nod, leading her out.

Sam

He leads me out and when we get to our room, I plop down on the couch and wrap my arms around my stomach.

Louis

We get back to our hotel room and she plops on the couch. I look at myself and decide to go change, leaving her alone for a few minutes.

Sam

He leaves me alone for a few minutes and memories of the sharks biting into my torso come back to me. The horrid pain...I shake my head out and hold my stomach tighter, even though that makes it hurt.

Louis

I come back out to find a look of horror on her face. I sit at her side and take her hand, "You okay?"

Sam

I look down at my stomach and ankle before looking back up at him, hoping he'd get what I mean, and that I wouldn't have to explain it.

Louis

My heart drops and I sigh, kissing her temple and wrapping an arm gently around her, "Don't think about that. You're okay now. It's over."

Sam

I sigh, "I can't get it out of my head. Images keep flashing through me..." I whisper, "It's scarred me."

Louis

I hold her close and kiss her temple, "It's okay. I'll be here with you the whole time. You're alright. It'll pass."

Sam

Another lashing comes through me and my eyes widen in fear. I bury my face in Louis's neck and take a deep breath.

Louis

I hold her close and kiss the top of her head, not sure what to say.

Sam

I pull back and glance around, composing myself.

Louis

I watch her, worried, and keep quiet in fear of saying the wrong thing.

Sam

I sigh, "I'm...I'mma see how bad the gashes are," I say, "S'killing me."