12

My parents had been fighting for three months. I had known Christian since before they started fighting. Christian and I talked about music a lot and I was glad that he understood my experiences and has gone through some of them too. I could tell from his relief that he felt the same way. We talked about a lot of other things. I talked to the other musicians, but I was more interested in Christian. Christian was always cheerful and I loved that. He helped me be more cheerful. We talked about the battles.

    “Why do you fight?” Christian asked me.

    “Because I want to protect people and I think what the ghouls are doing is wrong.”

    “I agree.”

    “Is that why you fight?”

    “Yeah. That woman you’re always with, is that your mother?”

    “Yeah,” I confirmed. “How did you know?”

    “Because you always fight together. And she’s very good. And you said your Mom is a martial arts teacher. And you talk about her all the time.”

    “Yeah, that’s her.”

    Christian sighed .
    “You know, I’m scared,” he said.

    “Of what?”

    “These battles are always dangerous so I’m scared.”

    “I understand, but I don’t think you will stop fighting.”

    “How do you know?”

    “Because you don’t seem like the kind of person who would give up on doing what’s right just because you’re scared,” I told him.

    “I wasn’t thinking about giving up. I’m just scared.”

    “I feel the same way. What can I do?”

    “I’m just glad someone feels the way I do.”

    The more I was able to understand him, the safer I felt around him. He smiled at me in a way that made me think he felt the same way.    We rehearsed for the concert with the other musicians. And everyone was giving everyone else tips.