Operation: Threads of Connection

Preparations

Anya's POV:

I couldn't stop thinking about what Sebastian had told me regarding Damian. I can't help but think, does Damian still feel that way? Could I do anything to help him... After everything he has done for me, I wondered if there was anything I could do for him to make him feel more at ease with himself...

Becky decided to throw a Halloween party at her house. She invited us of course and said we could tell others to come as well. Ewen and Emile took this opportunity to literally invite the whole grade. Their mission was to find a "girlfriend". Becky scolded the boys, but ultimately, agreed since the party was later today. She asked us to help her set up and decorate early this afternoon.. Mama and Papa had a three day work trip to attend, which meant I would have to stay home with Bond. They wanted me to go with them, but I felt a bit guilty leaving Becky to suffer with the boys.

"If you feel sick or something feels wrong, please call us right away, Anya. We will come back as soon as we can," Papa said sternly.

Mama and Papa were both getting ready to leave, their usual calm demeanor tinged with concern. I could tell they didn't like the idea of leaving me behind, especially with everything that had happened recently. But I also knew how important their work was, so I wanted to show them that I could handle things on my own.

"I packed some extra snacks for you and Bond," Mama said, handing me a small bag. "Make sure to eat well and don't stay up too late, okay?"

"I will, Mama," I promised, taking the bag from her. Papa gave me one of his serious looks, the kind that always made me feel like he could see right through me. "Remember what I said, Anya. If anything feels off, you call us. No matter what time it is."

"Okay, Papa," I replied, trying to sound as confident as possible. "I'll be fine, I promise."

He sighed, finally relenting as he reached out to ruffle my hair. "Alright, then. Be good, Anya. We'll be back before you know it."

With a final hug from Mama and a nod from Papa, they headed out the door. I watched them go, the weight of their concern lingering in the air even after they were gone. Bond trotted over to me, his large eyes filled with curiosity. "Looks like it's just you and me, Bond," I said, scratching behind his ears. He wagged his tail in response, happy to have me all to himself.

After making sure everything was in order at home, I grabbed my things and headed over to Becky's.

~

Becky's house came into view, adorned with the beginnings of Halloween decorations. I could already see her outside, directing Ewen and Emile, who were half-heartedly hanging up cobwebs. Typical. They were more focused on the idea of impressing the girls who would be at the party.

"Anya!" Becky called out, waving as she spotted me. "I'm so glad you're here! We have so much to do before everyone arrives."

I forced a smile and nodded, determined to push my thoughts aside and focus on helping. "Of course, Becky. I'm ready to help."

We spent the next hour transforming her house into a Halloween wonderland. There were pumpkins to carve, lights to string up, and plenty of spooky decorations to arrange. Damian and Sebastian arrived shortly after I did, and soon the three of us were working together, with Becky occasionally giving us directions.

As I hung up a string of orange lights, I couldn't help but glance at Damian. He seemed quieter than usual, focused on the task at hand, but there was something different in his demeanor. Was something wrong?

When he caught me looking, I quickly turned my attention back to the lights, hoping he didn't notice. But a part of me wished I could just ask him—talk to him about what was on my mind. Yet, every time I thought about it, my heart would start to race, and the words would get stuck in my throat.