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Evelyn left. Evelyn really left.
Devant had feared this after their last interaction with her, but never had they thought it would actually come true. Now that it happened, the pressure felt ever more so unbearable. The cloister has become more and more oppressing. More strict – something Devant hadn’t thought possible.
So what they are doing right now truly was more dangerous than usual.
Knocking at Nyvele’s door, gentle so that they don’t scare the jade inside, they hope that he would answer.
“Nyvele – it’s me. Devant. Could I come in?”, Devant keeps their voice soft, but loud enough for Nyvele to hear.
There is a long silence before the door opens just a sliver. Devant can barely see the other but it was enough to make their stomach drop.
Nyvele looked skinnier, more scared with how much he is shaking and paler. He really didn’t take the news well that Evelyn left. But how could he take it well? His sister disappeared without telling him anything.
The anxiety was clear with Nyvele’s downcast, tear-stained eyes, with the way he tries to open his mouth to speak but no words come out.
“Hey…”, Devant greets sweetly, giving Nyvele a reassuring smile, “I brought you something- can I come in?”
Devant is holding a blanket and simply waits. The jade in front of them glances up at them, staring for a short while before nodding, stepping away from the door, “Okay”
With careful steps Devant walks in, closing the door behind them. Looking at Nyvele who seems to be shaking, they decide to put the blanket directly around his shoulders, “You didn’t come to dinner. For a while now. “
“Oh- yeah… uhm. I’m sorry”, comes from Nyvele, looking surprised at the blanket put around him.
“You don’t have to apologise for that”, looking at how badly Nyvele is doing, Devant understands even more why Evelyn asked them to take care of him. It also makes them question her. How could she leave him like this?
“I brought you something else too”, Devant, without letting the other talk, pulls out some bread with cheese out of their pocket, quickly shushing Nyvele who was about to exclaim in surprise.
“Devant--- you could get into trouble for this”
“Yeah. I know”
“…then why?”
“…you haven’t eaten”
Nyvele stares at Devant.
“……and I wanted you to know that you aren’t alone”
It was true. Devant knew how it felt to be alone, they had to deal with that for a long while now. Still do.
“Thank… thank you”, Nyvele stopped shaking as he takes the bread, sitting down on his bed – nibbling on the food he stares at Devant expectantly.
Devant sits down next to him.
And they sit there in silence while Nyvele eats. For a little while at least.
“Do you think she will come back?”
No.
“I can’t say for sure”, Devant answers instead, their face trained into that neutral expression that they are so wonderfully great at.
Silence as Nyvele keeps eating. Then slowly little sniffles filled up the room. He had started crying.
“How could she leave me?”
“I don’t know.”
“Why didn’t she take me with her?”
“I wish I could tell you.”
“Did she not care about me?”
“I think she cares. Just… in her own way.”
Nyvele’s sobs became stronger. The tears started to fall as he chewed, eyebrows deeply furrowed in confusion, hurt and something so vulnerable.
“I miss her.”
“I know you do.”
Devant gently puts a hand on Nyvele’s back. And maybe for now that’s enough.