Luke sat up, watching Indiana empty the contents of his bedside table into a small cardboard box.
“What’s this?” She held a silver ring between her two fingers, watching it glitter in the sun.
“I need you to give it to Mason, but wait until I’m in the car so she can’t try to give it back.”
Indiana sighed, putting the ring on the table and continuing her packing. It wasn’t long until the box was full and the room was emptied of everything that belonged to Luke. “Ready to go home?”
“Yeah.” Luke nodded slowly, gripping the metal headboard for balance as he pulled himself up. “Give her this too.” He pulled a wrinkled sheet of parchment from behind his pillow, folding it in thirds and handing it to his sister.
“You’re sure you don’t want to talk to her yourself?”
“I’m sure.” Luke paused at the doorway, trying to think of an explanation. Realizing he didn’t have one, he made his way to the elevator where a driver led him to his car.
Indiana tucked the box under her arm, turning the ring over in her fingers. She used to envy her brother’s relationship. She used to wish, more than anything, that someone would love her the way he loved Mason. Now she pitied him. He was wasting his energy loving a girl that could never really love anyone back.
Putting all her feelings aside, she slipped the ring in her pocket and left the claustrophobic room. She followed the signs to the teen ward, looking for the room number that was sprawled across the front of the parchment. Finally she got there, staring at the door for what seemed like an hour before knocking.
Mason opened the door, staring into the face of Luke’s little sister. She could only be bringing bad news, but nothing was a surprise anymore.
“Here.” Indiana held out the parchment, digging into her pocket for the ring.
“What’s this?”
“From Luke.” Indiana held out the ring. She loathed Mason, but she knew there was nothing she could do to change how her brother was feeling.
Mason stared at the ring before finally taking it, slipping it into the front pocket of the hoodie she was wearing. Cameron’s hoodie.
Indiana opened her mouth to say something, ‘I hope you’re happy’ or ‘Are you having fun with this little game?’ but she couldn’t get any words out. She knew all about self-destruction. “I have to go.” She finally managed to spit out, walking down the hall so fast that she was almost jogging. Did she want to end up like Mason? Cold hearted and completely oblivious to emotion. She waved her hands over her eyes in the elevator, desperate to make the tears in her eyes go away. Luke couldn’t deal with this again. Swallowing her feelings, she stepped out of the elevator and into the slick black town car that was to take them to the Greenwood Estate.
*
Mason,
I’m leaving St. Mungos. My parents have arranged for private nurses to stay at the Estate and take care of me. I’m not sure if I’ll be returning to Hogwarts, honestly. I’m probably going to spend my last few years traveling and working on my music rather than sitting in pointless classes and earning house points. I’m going on a trip with your sister during the summer and then I’m planning on visiting New York.
I hope everything goes well for you, Mason. I wasn’t lying when I said I knew you could get better. You’re the strongest person I know. Don’t let your illness destroy you. I won’t be surprised if I don’t hear from you again, but if you ever get lonely feel free to call or visit me.
Yours Truly,
Luke
