Rains dripped steadily on Aether's shoulders as he wandered aimlessly through the streets, unsure of where to go or what to do.
His face was an unreadable mask, hiding the turmoil inside. All he could remember were his mother's words....words that cut deeper than he had ever imagined they would.
'How could she say that to me?' Aether thought, words still fresh in his mind. He clenched his fists, his body tense with the pain that her words had caused.
"Aether!!"
The sudden call of his name made him stop in his tracks.
He turned slowly.... saw Penelope, drenched from the rain, running toward him, her eyes wide with concern.
When she finally reached him, she stopped, panting heavily, staring up into his face. Her chest heaved with both exertion and worry, "Aether... what happened?" Her voice was soft but edged with fear. She didn't know what was wrong, but something about the blankness in his eyes told her it wasn't good.
