025. 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤

                                    

                                          

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 「 twenty-five. I'm crucified
crucified like my saviour 
saint-like behaviour, a lifetime I prayed. 」




A POUNDING MIGRAINE FESTERED IN ELIZABETH DEAN'S BRAIN AS SHE ROLLED ONTO HER SIDE. She rested on her side over a hard, uncomfortable hospital bed, causing her to sigh awkwardly.
The locks of golden blonde hair decorated the thin pillowcase that comforted her head, falling in small curls as they cascaded over the material. She wore her outfit from the previous day, only missing the backpack she carried and the heavy weight of her jacket. 
"Hey fox." An all too familiar voice greeted. At the sound of the raspy feminine voice, Lizzie peaked her eyes open with a grimace, shrinking under the woman's gaze slightly. She groaned loudly, moving to lay flat on her back and place a hand on the bridge of her nose.
Marlene stood, leaning against the door frame with a pleased look on her face as she looked at the younger girl. "Tired?" She asked, "I'd assume so after the journey you've been on."
When the girl didn't respond, Marlene sucked in a breath. "We've missed you back home."
Lizzie cringed at the use of 'home.' Home was where Joel and Ellie where, not the fireflies. She didn't speak for a moment, simply moving to sit up with a wince as she felt her back ache. 
"Hey, careful." Marlene walked closer, standing at the edge of the bed. "Patrol didn't recognise you," the woman cursed, placing her hand on the side of Lizzie's face and lifting it so she could inspect the growing bruise of the side of her temple.
Lizzie tensed under the woman's soft grip, turning her head away as her eyesight shifted in and out of focus. Noticing her reluctance to speak, Marlene's eyebrows scrunched, "what? No hello? No smartass new phrases you came up with?"
"What do you mean, what?" Lizzie mocked the woman's voice, causing for the older of the two to roll her eyes. "You sent me on a journey where I almost died a dozen fucking times, and all you have to say is hello?!" The younger girl hissed.
Marlene exhaled deeply, clicking her tongue. "You're angry—"
"No shit I'm angry!"
"I didn't know you'd almost die a dozen fucking times. Do you think I'd of let you go if I knew?" Marlene scoffed, folding her arms as she raised her eyebrows at the blonde.
"Yes." Lizzie responded blankly. 
Marlene stared down at the girl, unimpressed. "Oh please, fox, you got here safe and that's just what matters now. Not what happened during."