Page 50 of Rose
Minutes passed.
Finally, Ahzii finished the piece, cleaned the skin, and applied aftercare.
“Leave the tape on for seventy-two hours. You know the rest,” she told her regular, voice distracted.
“Thanks, boo. You kill it every time.”
The woman grinned, snapping a quick mirror pic before heading out with a satisfied strut.
As soon as the door shut, Kyre closed it behind her, sealing them in.
“Ky—”
“No. Me first.”
Ahzii fell silent.
Kyre’s voice was calm, but there was weight behind every word.
“I didn’t have anything to do with what happened at Gold. And it hurt… that you thought I did.”
Ahzii dropped her gaze. The shame crept in fast.
“I know what you’re going through. And Idowant you to have love again one day. Real love. The kind William gave you. Hell, better than that. A fairytale endingthat doesn’t end in pain. But more than anything, I just want you to findyourselfagain, Zii. That’s it.”
Her voice cracked slightly, raw and real. “I would never try to erase William. I’d never force you to move on. That’s not love. That’s cruelty.”
Tears slipped down Ahzii’s cheeks before she could stop them. Kyre opened her arms, a soft smile curling her lips.
“Come here, crybaby.”
Her voice was light, teasing—but gentle.
Ahzii didn’t hesitate. She stepped into Kyre’s embrace and finally broke.
The sob that escaped her chest wasn’t quiet. It was heavy, cracked open by everything she’d been trying to hold inside.
“I’m sorry…” she whispered, voice fragile against Kyre’s shoulder.
Kyre rubbed her back, letting her fall apart without flinching.
“No need to apologize,” she said softly. “I know grief. I know what it does. That was grief talking at Gold, not you. You were triggered. You snapped. That’s human.”
“But that doesn’t make it right.”
Ahzii pulled back, wiping her face as her tears slowed.
“I was wrong. And I know that.”
Kyre gave her a warm, knowing smile.
“Yeah, you were. But I love you anyway.”
“Now I got some tea for you, bitch.”
Kyre’s tone shifted instantly—light, mischievous—and it made Ahzii chuckle through her sniffles.
“Oh Lord, what now?”
