Promise me, Derrica says, and a small part of Ellie twists in discomfort, despair- because here, those promises are so very loaded. This world is not build for promises, for absolutes. They take their lives in their hands every time they venture out. They don't promise, even to the children. Especially to the children.
What if Ellie promises and she dies, and she becomes another Holden to Derrica? Someone lost, a knife twisting when she least expects it, memories leaping up to wrap cold fingers around her throat? A reminder of Derrica's perceived failure?
She doesn't want to be remembered that way.
(If only you could choose how you were remembered-)
Ellie sets her hand on Derrica's arm, opens her mouth. It takes a moment for the words to come, but they finally do.
"I promise," she starts, "To do everything I can to come back to you, safe."
Bow!
What if Ellie promises and she dies, and she becomes another Holden to Derrica? Someone lost, a knife twisting when she least expects it, memories leaping up to wrap cold fingers around her throat? A reminder of Derrica's perceived failure?
She doesn't want to be remembered that way.
(If only you could choose how you were remembered-)
Ellie sets her hand on Derrica's arm, opens her mouth. It takes a moment for the words to come, but they finally do.
"I promise," she starts, "To do everything I can to come back to you, safe."