‘Are you sure you’re ready to go out? I think it’s a little too soon’ his sister berated him a time later.

‘Alicia’ Ashton sighed patiently. ‘I’m feeling better now. And besides…I just want some time by myself. I um…. need to think about things…. I need to clear my head.’

‘You’re still worried about getting married’ Alicia replied in a monotone. But it was not a question.

‘Well…. not worried exactly’ Ashton laughed awkwardly, avoiding eye contact with her then. ‘The thing is…. You know…... mum and dad would be so happy when I’m finally married…’

‘Especially dear mother’ Alicia sighed, leaning on a hip and folding her arms. ‘Oh Ashton. Remember you can tell me anything. If you don’t want them to know about it you know I will keep it to myself.’

‘I know’ Ashton smiled. ‘I know.’

She unfolded her arms then, straightening up.

‘Just take care of yourself ok?’ his sister said to him.

‘I will’ he nodded to her.

‘Will you be going to the dance studio?’ she asked.

‘N-no’ Ashton fumbled, ‘not today.’

Alicia gave a slight frown at this, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly, though she said nothing of whatever she was thinking at that time.

‘Anyway’ she cocked her head. ‘I’ll see you later then. Take care. You’re just going to walk around the town?’

‘Yeah. I just need to be alone for a bit. And I think some fresh air would be really good for me.’

Alicia smiled then, taking a step towards him and holding his face tenderly in her hands.

Ashton closed his eyes, dipping his chin and Alicia went to kiss him on the forehead.

‘Take care’ she said to him, her voice soft and delicate and full of love. ‘Come to my room if you want me. And never forget that you can tell me anything. Ok?’

‘Yeah’ Ashton said, his eyes shining brightly. ‘I know I can tell you anything. I trust you. Thank you.’

She turned and walked away from him then, leaving him alone on the steps.

Ashton watched her go, waiting until she was out of sight, before turning away.

He continued the rest of the way down the stairs, walking slowly. He was very aware of himself, and all the little pains in his body, the bruises and cuts. Ashton grimaced then, cursing himself.

‘How could I have been so distracted’ he uttered under his breath. ‘I just slipped. It was a stupid mistake, and now I have everyone worried for me.’

He shook his head, still a little amazed at his own carelessness.

He reached the bottom of the stairs, continuing his way down the hall as he headed towards one of the doors that led outside.

It was at this moment a thought slowly seeped into his mind, and it was one that he did not like.

I won’t be able to dance well in this state….

The edges of his eyes crinkled then, and he felt a tightness in his throat, before swallowing the lump that had formed there and taking a deep breath.

He reached the door, opening it carefully and slipping through, closing it quietly behind him.

Clenching his teeth as he looked across the beautiful gardens, the city was clearly visible at a distance, a busy and congested place. His home however, despite being so close to the rest of the world, was a peaceful and removed sanctuary.