I completely get why she was so silent. I understood her hesitation to get involved in something that brought back painful memories from her past. It was clear that Ebony hadn't fully healed from her past experiences, no matter how many times she claimed to be okay or said she had moved on. I knew deep down that she wasn't.
Certainly, I didn't want to make this about myself, yet at times I felt powerless in my attempts to assure Ebony that everything would turn out fine, to provide her with solace. I drew in a sharp breath and reached out to Solèigh, aiding her to her feet after I had finished tending to her wound. 
I escorted her to the couch and eased her into a seated position. "I'll be right back with an ice pack for you," I promised, eliciting a nod from her before I headed to the freezer.
Seizing the ice pack from the freezer, the chill seeped into my palm instantaneously. A tinge of disappointment washed over me upon realizing Ebony was not in the kitchen, her whereabouts still unknown. 
I exhaled softly and handed Solèigh the ice pack, along with a bag of cookies to distract her from the ordeal. "Make sure to stay still so the ice pack stays in place. If you need anything at all, just holler for Ebony or me, okay?"
Following that, I planted a gentle kiss upon Solèigh's forehead and set off on a quest to locate Ebony. She seemed to elude me in all six bathrooms, bedrooms, and even the kitchen. Anxiety gripped my heart as I hastened toward the back door, hoping to find her outside where we had been earlier.
"Ebony?" My voice pierced the silence, spotting a figure perched upon the sofa at the yard's farthest reach. Recognizing it as Ebony, I advanced with slow steps, observing her form curled protectively, knees drawn to her chest and arms clasping her frame. The sky was darkening as the sun set, signaling it was time to go back inside.
I reached out, hoping to bridge the gap with a comforting touch, but she flinched, eyes wide with alarm, as though I were a stranger oblivious to personal space. "Don't fucking touch me!" Ebony's voice cut through the air, sending my heart into freefall for the umpteenth time that day.
Ignoring the profanities, I gave a simple nod and approached the empty seat beside her. With my gaze fixed forward, I allowed the weight of the uncomfortable silence to settle around us. I was more than willing to wait, to be patient with Ebony, hoping she would eventually grasp my intentions.
"Ebony, I know you're not feeling well, and I'll respect your need for space. However, since it's getting late, I would feel much better knowing you're safe inside with us." I explained.
As Ebony remained silent, my words seemed to dissipate into the air, unheard and unnoticed. When I turned my gaze towards her, I couldn't help but notice the headphones snugly nestled in her ears, isolating her from the world around us. 
The music emanating from them filled the space, drowning out any attempts at connection. In that moment, it became painfully clear that she was purposefully shielding herself from my presence, as tears streamed down her face.
I yearned to envelop her in an embrace, to offer kisses, to cradle her close and soothe her with every act of comfort I could muster. Yet, I knew such gestures were forbidden, as she had clearly expressed her need for space. The thought of overstepping her boundaries and potentially deepening her distress held me back, despite the overwhelming desire to offer comfort.
I breathed out nervously and cast a final glance at her, realizing I had to go back indoors. Solèigh had to prepare for bed since we had a long day ahead. I could only wish that everyone would still be enthusiastic about it.
"I love you, Ebony. I'm sorry that my words may not be enough to support you, but please know that I am here for you. Please come back inside soon." I uttered, hoping my voice could cut through the loud noise blaring from her headphones.
As I spoke, she continued to avert her gaze from me. It was at that moment that I felt defeated and helpless. Suppressing my emotions, I turned around to walk back into the house, while wiping away a stray tear that had escaped my eyes before Soléigh would see me.
As I headed towards the living room to prepare Soléigh for bedtime, I took a moment to silently offer a prayer for Ebony's well-being. "How is your leg feeling? Does it still burn?" I pulled up a seat next to Soléigh and glanced at the almost melted ice pack on her leg
"Only a little bit, but it feels better." Solèigh admitted with a slight pout on her lips. I nodded, extending my hand to assist her in getting ready for bed. After all, we are on vacation, but if we let Solèigh stay up all night, she will be too exhausted the following day.
As we headed upstairs, I let her undress while I picked out some nightwear for her and a shower cap. Returning to the bathroom, I poured some pink bubbles into the water and helped her get into the tub. In a moment of playfulness, a cluster of bubbles found their way to her mouth. Her tiny face screwed up in an expression of sheer distaste. 
"Yuck!" Solèigh sputtered, her voice muffled by the bubble intruders. 
"Doesn't taste good, does it?" I teased, chuckling at her look of distaste as the bubbles invaded her mouth, watching her vigorously shake her head. Once certain she was fine and safely settled in the bathroom, I withdrew to afford her some privacy. As time slipped away, the day's light faded to evening, and we all nestled in for the night.
Well not all of us...
Ebony never came back to bed.


























•How I imagine their view..