reflections / lucia [day 3]

l u c i a valentine .

She watches her reflection as she journeys through the labyrinth alone.

It's funny, now that she can only see herself staring back, she yearns for another glimpse of Sylvia. As much as the idea of her twin being in the arena frightens her, it would make pulling herself together easier. For her sister, Lucia doubts there is an obstacle she would back away from. But left to her own devices, searching for an exit while trying to make sure she doesn't wander too far from her allies, she does not feel so capable.

She places a palm against the glass, smudging a handprint across where her face stares unimpressed back at her. Sighing, she turns to survey the path she has taken, crossing her arms over her chest and trying to make sense of her surroundings. Looking at it like a machine helps to calm her down, convincing herself that this is a puzzle that can be solved if she just approaches it with a level head.

That, and the maze doesn't seem to be wholly misfortunate. Nori and Vera found treasures of their own in the twisting halls, two very wicked swords that Lucia is certain will only make her allies all the more fearsome. Her body still aches, but she is fully bandaged and has been keeping pressure off her broken bones. Not that it helps much, just breathing is enough to trigger her damaged sternum.

But she holds her tears as her cuts start to dry, the healing process will happen. If not tonight, she will do what it takes to see her skin become smooth again. Years from now, a lifetime away, she will see a life where she does not feel weighed down with doubt and fear. Living means facing this, learning to adapt to the trauma. No matter how many times the world knocks her off her feet, Lucia will pick herself back up. Stopping is not an option.

The only way out is forward.