Henry Perrin's Arc

Chapter 6 of 6

Henry set the lavender on the table and followed Alexander home. The ivy on the cottage walls rustled as he pushed open the door. Alexander stood by the window, the silver ring tight on his finger, his back a straight line of refusal. "You had no right," Alexander said. His voice did not rise. That was worse. "She was kind to me. One kind thing, and you took it." Henry set his hands flat on the table. "I am trying to keep you safe. I am trying to keep her safe from you." Alexander turned. His eyes were wet, not flat, not cold — his own. "You've wrapped me in chains, Henry. Silver on my hand. Walls around the house. Every door you stand in. I can feel them. I can feel you holding the ends." He pulled the ring half off, then pushed it back down hard. "I let you. Because I trust you. But you don't get to choose who smiles at me." Henry opened his mouth and found nothing inside it. Alexander walked past him, up the narrow stairs, and shut his door with a soft, final click. Henry stood alone in the kitchen with the ivy tapping the glass. The boy was still himself. And the boy did not trust him anymore.