A decade has passed since Operation Strix began. The once volatile tensions between the East and West have calmed, thanks in part to Loid Forger's relentless efforts. However, rumors of a new program designed to reignite the hostilities have started...
The audience began to applaud, but it all turned muffled. I look to the audience to find my father, he looked at me with such hatred. After the concert, I stayed behind sitting on the piano staring at the keys. I couldn't bear to face my father or anyone else. The weight of disappointment hung heavily on my shoulders.
"Damian," a voice called softly. I looked up to see Sebastian, holding his trophy. "You played beautifully."
"Don't praise him! If he had played with determination and not his emotions he could have won." Father said, approaching the piano. "Congratulations on your win Mr. Blackwell," Smiled ominously. Sebastian quickly nodded.
"Thank you Mr. Desmond, I will be taking my leave now," Before Sebastian could leave my father put a hand on his shoulder.
"Please would you mind helping me out here Sebastian? It seems my boy doesn't quite understand what it means to play correctly. It seems he ignores everything I say. May I please borrow your trophy?" Father asked Sebastian.
Sebastian nodded, handing father the trophy. It was a 20 inch trophy, gold engraved all around. Sebastian had to carry it with both his hands indicating it was heavy. What was father going to do? Suddenly without any words father grabbed me by my hair and threw me to the ground. His eyes were red, he was furious.
"You will never play that instrument again. You will not embarrass the Desmond name like that again, do you understand!" he began hitting my chest with the trophy. The weight of it was unbearable, I couldn't say anything as the air left my body.
"I-I- I understand father... please stop!" I yelled out. Father stopped suddenly, his breathing heavy, he smacked me across the face, before returning to Sebastian. He stood there the entire time, tears roaming down his cheek.
"Thank you Mr. Blackwell, you will keep this a secret if you know what is best for you and your family. Once more congratulations, let me escort you out," Papa put an arm around Sebastian, walking him out of the auditorium. I laid there in agonizing pain, after what seemed an eternity, I decided to get up and walk to my dormitory. The walk there was so painful, I had trouble breathing. What should have been a 10 minute walk, became a 45 minute trip to my dorm. Finally arriving there, I made my way to the bathroom.
I winced as I peeled off my shirt, revealing the full extent of the damage my father had inflicted. The bruise was an ugly, mottled purple, and the cut on my chest throbbed painfully.I know this would scar. I carefully cleaned the wound, gritting my teeth against the pain, and applied a bandage. My reflection in the mirror looked back at me, a stark reminder of my failure.
The dormitory was quiet, most of the students already asleep. I moved slowly to my bed, each step sending a jolt of pain through my body. I sank onto the mattress, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me. Tears threatened to spill, but I forced them back. I couldn't afford to be weak.
"Damian...?" a soft voice called out, bringing me back to reality. I looked up to see Anya with tears rolling down her eyes. I removed my ear buds and walked towards her, all of sudden she throws herself at me, making me lose my balance, causing us to fall to the ground. The world seemed to freeze for a moment as we lay there, tangled and breathless. Her sobs filled the silence, breaking my heart into pieces.
"Anya, what's wrong?" I asked, my voice shaky with concern. I gently helped her sit up, brushing away the tears from her cheeks. Her eyes were red and swollen, her face a mask of despair.
"I didn't mean to read your mind, but I saw everything.. I saw what your dad did to you. Damian, I'm so sorry you had to deal with that," Anya cried out, hugging me tighter. My heart began to flutter, this is the closest we've ever been. I couldn't help but hug her back, she cried further in my chest as I laid my head on top of hers. She smelled like cookies and vanilla, a scent that was both comforting and nostalgic. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in the warmth of her embrace.
"It's okay, Anya," I whispered, though the words felt hollow. The memories of my father's abuse were a dark shadow that never fully dissipated. "It's in the past now."
She pulled back slightly, her tear-filled eyes searching mine. "No, it's not okay, Damian. No one should have to go through that. And I just... I didn't mean to invade your privacy like that. It was an accident."
I could see the guilt written all over her face, and it tore at me. Anya had always been sensitive about her ability to read minds, a gift—or curse—that she had struggled to control. I cupped her face in my hands, forcing her to look at me.
"Anya, listen to me. You didn't do anything wrong. You couldn't have known. And honestly, it feels... good to finally share it with someone."
She sniffled, a small smile breaking through the tears. "Really?"
"Really," I affirmed, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "I've been carrying this burden alone for so long. It's a relief to know that someone understands."
She nodded, her expression softening. "Thank you for trusting me, Damian. I promise I'll be here for you, just like you've always been here for me."
We sat there for a while, holding each other, the world around us fading into insignificance. It was as if in that moment, we had created our own little sanctuary, safe from the pain and hurt outside.
As we stood up, Anya wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. "Let's go for a walk," she suggested. "Clear our heads a bit. I want to share some things with you..."
I nodded, grateful for the suggestion. We walked side by side, our hands brushing occasionally, the silence between us now comfortable and filled with unspoken understanding. The park was serene, the setting sun casting a warm golden glow over everything. I wish we could stay like this forever.
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A/N: The song Damian was listening to/ he played at the concert:
