Chapter Text
Reaping Day, July Fourth.
The Annual Hunger Games.
District Eleven.
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Everyone's petrified on Reaping Day. It's the day when innocent daughters and sons are torn from their brothers, their sisters, their parents, their friends. Everyone holds their breath while their hands grip onto one another's sweaty palms, praying that they aren't the ones who get reaped this year, while they watch children who are twelve to eighteen years old step up slowly and quietly, clearly scared half to death, after their names are called for everyone to hear. Reaping Day is a cold day for everyone. It may be the middle of summer, but it feels nothing like that. It’s a day when Capitol folk get to laugh about young kids getting picked to fight to the death. That was the scariest idea for some, some kids knew how to fight and win, some didn’t. The kids who didn’t were scared of dying. The kids who knew how to kill were scared of being entertainment just for those who were better. They didn't want to be mocked. Nobody did. The entire day was terrifying. For families and friends. They all had someone there that they cared about, someone that they could lose in an instant. The Capitol knew that— they knew that better than anyone in any of the districts.
You learn to get over whatever fear you have.
You have to, you don't have a choice.
Everyone in District Eleven had been taught to fight since they were able to speak and listen. Everyone has been training to fight in the arena since they were able to walk around on two feet. At least, that's what Bales had done for Ace and Steve. He made sure that they had a chance of survival in the games, trying to think of every possible scenario to warn them about, to make sure they had the knowledge they needed to overcome any problems if the worst happened. Bales would watch each game, watching each minute of it attentively, not missing any helpful information that could help Steve and Ace survive in the arena. He felt disgusted with the things he had seen, but as the man of the house, he had to. They didn't have a lot of time for training, though; they were forced to work in crop fields all day and into the night. They would wake up as early as five in the morning during harvest, as they only got to go home around nine at night. The sun would glare down at them throughout the entire day, certainly over a hundred degrees on the hottest days of summer. It made everyone who was working overly exhausted. Some grew used to the heat, others didn't. People passed out in the fields every single day, that's when the Peacekeepers would feed them more, let them drink a little water, but only enough that would keep them alive still. Not a bite or sip more than that. They weren't allowed to eat anything that they grew, anything that they picked, even if their stomachs were growling with need for a bite of food. But that didn’t stop Bales from talking, though; he had a job. Not his actual job, his job was warning Ace and Steve. He told Steve and Ace everything he could for the day, then repeated that process the next day to make sure they were informed. He had done that for years, which annoyed the other two. They would fight in the crop fields, bickering and playing around, making a fool out of themselves. It made Bales mad, it made him scared, though; he wouldn't admit that. He only seemed mad to Ace and Steve; he couldn't let either of them get hurt. That's why he yelled at them as much as he needed to, so they would stop being foolish, or else something bad would happen to them. It was enough to scare the two into being serious for the rest of the day, but they'd be back at it after a week. They couldn't help but be immature. They were just kids, for crying out loud, but that meant nothing here.
"Ace?" Bales called out for his youngest sibling, his only sister, from the kitchen of their small house. He wanted to make sure that she was awake early so she could get ready. Bales had ironed out a pale yellow dress the best he could. The kitchen was the only place with a long flat surface, which made it the only room where he could iron clothes. The dress looked like the early sun on a warm spring morning. It had ruffles on the sleeves with a cinched waist. There was embroidery on the side; it was wildflowers, only white, a grey, and a cream color, nothing special about it. He had seen the beauties of dresses in the Capitol and he wished he could find something like that for his sister. There was embroidered wheat mixed in with the flowers— it made sense, considering the three lived in the “Agriculture” District. Bales thought foolishly that there should've been berries on the dress too, knowing that they had to pick them just to watch as the food was taken away from them. The sweet berries they picked were the sweetest, and Bales would be lying if he said he hadn't disobeyed their rules, taking some berries home secretly just so he and his siblings didn't have to starve. Even if the field in District Eleven was heavily packed with Peacekeepers, being the only district that had that many watching over them at once, he still risked it. Bales risked his life just to make sure his siblings wouldn’t go to bed hungry. This dress had to be made way over ten years ago; maybe he would have to add the berries there himself. He was sure he could learn. Bales knew more than most— he was an intelligent kid, smarter than the rest. His education was bad, but he knew all the tricks. Bales had to learn a lot from a young age, his parents were both bad. They were kind at heart; but they didn't deserve to be parents.
Bales was surprised that they even kept the dress, but Steve would be mad if they got rid of it. He wasn't exactly sure why Steve's mom had kept it, though. She surely didn't have a daughter. Ace and Steve had different moms, so there's no way Steve’s mom knew that someone would continue to wear the dress. Steve’s mom hadn’t even known Ace either. She wasn't around to meet her. But, they kept it anyway. That's why Ace had worn the dress each year of the Reaping; it was the fanciest piece of clothing they owned. The prettiest, too. Even if it looked like it had been left outside for years in the harsh beaming of the sun, they kept it tucked away in a closet for a year until the next reaping. This dress was Steve’s mom's, so even Bales could agree it looked worn out, it’s old, but a super pretty dress. Bales thought it was extremely beautiful, and Steve agreed with him immediately. Steve tended to agree with whatever Bales said, but Bales knew his younger brother meant it.
“Ace, baby? It’s time to get up!” Bales called out for his younger sister again, walking from the kitchen closer to her room. It was early, and nobody wanted to wake up on a day like this, especially not this early. It had to have been around six in the morning. An extra hour of sleep was enough for Ace, especially because she falls asleep early at night, usually as soon as all of them get home, exhausted from working the entire day. Bales knocks on her door, not entirely loud, but it's enough noise to make Ace startle awake. He only stops once he hears her let out a groan from behind the shut door. Bales smiles warmly, turning the door knob to open it slowly. He smiles, seeing her covering her face with the soft sheets of her bed. The sun gleamed brightly through the window, lighting up the room. Bales didn't know how Ace could sleep with such brightness in her room— it's why he couldn’t. He always got up much earlier than he needed to because in the summer, the sun rose early. Bales was used to waking up early anyway, it's something his mother and father had taught him to do. He wished everyday that his two siblings would wake up that easily for him.
“C’mon, Ace. I’ve boiled some water for you and Stevie, you should take a bath while it isn't freezing.” Bales explains to Ace softly, going to sit on the edge of her bed. Bales knew that she wasn’t actually asleep. Once Ace wakes up, she finds it hard to fall back asleep quickly. Once he sat down, he started to rub her back gently. Ace yawned, pulling the blanket away from her face hesitantly— cuddled with a worn teddy-bear with fluff missing. She knew what today was and it made her incredibly sick to her stomach. She was worried, she got scared each time that July Fourth came around— Ace knew she would be okay though, that's what her brothers were for; protecting her. She didn't want to think about the fact that if she got reaped, Bales and Steve wouldn't be able to do anything. It scared Ace too much, even if Bales taught her to not be scared of the Reaping and games. Ace couldn't help but be scared— she tried her hardest, but it seemed as if nothing worked out for her.
“Bales?” Ace yawned out— stretching her arms across her two worn pillows as Bales stood off of her bed. It was no surprise that she was tired, Bales felt kind of bad for waking her up so early. But, he was eager, but not in a good way. He got up early to get Ace and Steve ready, to go out with his siblings to sit on the ground, get the damn reaping over with, then go to sleep knowing everyone he cared about was safe. That's what Ace wanted to do too, she liked going outside to play around with her brothers, but on Reaping Day, she liked to sleep instead. Bales couldn't blame her. Sleep was the one thing all of them needed, and they got the most of it whenever the games were taking place. At least Ace and Steve did. Bales still had to do some kind of work throughout the days it took place, since he was seventeen, nearly eighteen. He had to work for his family, if he didn't, nobody else could.
“Hm? What's the matter, baby?” Ace looked at her oldest brother's worried face. Bales always got worried about Steve and Ace so fast, how could he not? Those were his little siblings. Bales didn't know what was wrong, she could say that she's gonna get sick or complain that she wants to go back to bed. Ace had tried doing the math in her head so she could answer her own question, trying to make sure Bales didn't get upset, but the people in District Eleven never got a good education. They were too busy working in the fields to go to school, The Capitol had a high demand for everything they grew and picked. Unfortunately, that meant Ace wasn't the smartest girl ever. Math certainly wasn't her strong suit. If anything, it would be art or music. But, Ace wasn't exactly sure if those two counted for anything. Singing was what they did in the crop fields, and that entertained her and her brothers, as well as the others working. Steve and Bales would tell her it did count for something though— but she knew they were only saying that because they loved her. They loved her more than anything in the entire world. They made that more than obvious.
“How many times is your name added this year?” Ace asks quietly— the shake in her voice was enough to tell Bales that she was nervous. Bales’ face went from scared to upset. He looked… sad. Probably sad that Ace had to worry about things like that, she shouldn't have to. Ace was too young to be worrying about this kind of stuff. Bales sighed loudly, looking away from her. Why did Ace have to ask something like that? Ace was an over-thinker. Telling her would only make things worse, but she would bug him to tell her. Quite frankly, he didn't want to hear her being annoying the entire day. Ace’s voice was soft; she always had a careful tone to it. Her way of speaking was always upbeat, too, finding a way to be cheerful even if the time wasn't right. As much as Bales loved her voice, it got annoying if she spoke for hours on end, asking the same thing over and over again.
“...Thirty-six times,” Bales whispered under his breath, his head reeling now. He had been doing the math each time he got the tesserae for himself and his siblings. It scared him, his name being entered that many times. It scared Ace, too. He wouldn't tell Steve, only if he asked, so he just hoped that he didn't. Bales couldn't see himself telling Steve. Ace worried, but she barely yelled when she was scared. Steve, on the other hand, did. If Steve knew how many times Bales’ name was actually added, he would scream at him. That's not what Bales wanted, a fight, especially on Reaping Day. He couldn't fight with anyone on Reaping Day— his nerves were too high for that. Bales didn't like fighting on a normal day, though; he said it reminded him of his parents; he didn't like being mean. Bales couldn't stand being mean to anyone, not unless he absolutely had to. That was Bales’ big thing. Don't fight unless you have to. Ace and Steve thought it was kind of dumb, but their oldest brother knew best, so they listened (even if they didn't want to).
“Bales…” Ace mumbled, sitting up straighter. That scared her. She knew that there were a lot of entries. That meant he had more of a chance to get Reaped. Bales sighed again, realizing that telling Ace was a mistake. A huge mistake. She would be worrying her head off the entire day, and Bales didn't want that. He’d rather make the best out of this terrible day. His siblings would be okay, and after The Reaping, they'd huddle up together to stay warm. It would work. They had thin blankets, but their body warmth would help. Bales had his own room, but Ace and Steve shared one. Bales had the warmest blanket; besides, Ace and Steve didn't mind cuddling. Ace stood up from her bed, listening to the frame creak without her weight. She walked over to Bales slowly, grabbing onto his arm tightly, as if it was her way of telling him that she was scared. That she didn't want him to get Reaped, because she knew what would happen to him. He was strong, the muscles she held onto proved it, but Bales wasn't the kind to hurt anyone. He’d rather someone kill him before he did it to someone else. He didn't like to be violent, even if he looked like he’d be the angriest kid alive. But Ace had seen the other tributes chosen before. Most of them are skinny, besides the Careers, if that's what they were called. They were all… well fed, and they surely had more of an advantage than anyone from Eleven or Twelve did.
“It's okay, Ace. I swear. I haven't gotten Reaped yet, you know I’ll be fine, baby.” Bales whispered, grabbing onto his little sister tightly. He didn't want to let her go either. His sister was too young; she was sixteen, which was old enough, but she always acted younger. Almost like a twelve-year-old. Bales thought Ace would never get out of the young mindset, which is why he would never let her get Reaped. He couldn't.
“I’m scared, Bales.” She mumbled under her breath, shoving her head into his chest. Bales already knew she was scared; her body language and way of talking proved him right, but hearing Ace admit it was something else. Bales just held her closer; there was nothing else he could do. His arms were a good protector; that's why Ace always wanted hugs from him. It made her feel better about everything wrong in this world. Bales knew she was scared of everything, even if she acted tough, like she could get over her fears. Bales was half stupid for trying to get her to get over the fears of being Reaped and death. Their kind of people would make even the most brutal deaths peaceful. It didn't matter how they died, they would sing funeral songs and make sure they could rest. He told Ace that, he told Steve that too. Bales thought that Steve listened to him, he at least knew to not be scared of death. Steve could fight, Bales knew that. Steve was like him, he didn't want to fight, but he'd do whatever he had to survive. Bales would forgive him immediately if he killed someone, he could never hate his younger brother. He hoped Ace would forgive him too, if the worst ever happened.
He didn't know if Ace would.
Bales can only hope.
“Shh, baby. It’ll be okay. You know I’m strong. Look at these muscles, Acey. You see ‘em?” Bales asked, grinning playfully. He flexes his muscles at her, laughing. It made Ace laugh too, it wasn't exactly hard to get her to laugh. Steve had always said he liked his younger sisters' laugh. Bales knew that was just because both of their laughs were practically the same. Ace’s was softer, kind of nasally, too. Steve thought they sounded the exact same, but Bales could tell the difference. He knew his siblings the best. People in Eleven liked them, they all had some kind of charm, but nobody really knew them. Bales didn't like friends, he didn't do it. That's how you grew attached to people you would eventually lose.
“Oh, quit being a show off, Bales.” Ace giggled— hitting his arm slightly. Not hard enough to actually hurt him, but just enough to get him to stop. Bales felt better knowing that he could make Ace laugh, it seemed like each year that went by, she was losing that ability. Steve had noticed it too— they never talked to Ace about it though, they didn't want to upset her. They didn’t know if she stopped laughing as much because she was scared or for a different reason. They wouldn't ask her though, they couldn’t. Ace then stopped smiling as she let her head rest back against Bales’ chest. Listening to his soft breaths and heartbeat was calming, almost like a lullaby.
“I’m still worried…” Ace admitted. Bales just nodded in acknowledgment. Though he had to stay strong, he was worried too. He was always worried about his two younger siblings, not so much himself, it was the other two he was scared about. Bales knew they had a chance though.
“Baby, I’ve just gotta get through today's Reaping and then next year's one. Once I get old enough, I won't have a chance of getting Reaped.” Bales explained, he wasn't exactly wrong. He had to turn nineteen, then he wouldn't be any of the ages that got Reaped. He went this far without getting picked. Yet, Ace was still scared. Anything could happen. Ace knew that. So did Steve. Bales did too, but he wouldn't admit that. They could get through this, they would. They were the strongest siblings in all of District Eleven, at least that's what Steve calls them.
“...How many times is my name in there?” She asks quietly. Her eyes began to water thinking about getting Reaped.
“Ace…” Bales sighs, he wouldn't tell her that. He couldn't— he felt his stomach begin to tighten with nausea. He couldn't have Ace worry.
“I just wanna know, Bales.” She said; rocking with him slightly. Bales stopped her quickly, grabbing her arm and staring at her with a blank face. He was serious now, well, he was always serious. But he never looked at Ace like this.
“Honey, go get in the bath. The water’s gonna get real cold with all this waiting.” Bales said. Ace’s name is in there sixteen times. So is Steve’s. They’ve taken the tesserae for each other, despite Bales yelling at them to not do it. He knew the risks, and as the oldest man in the house, he knew he should take the risks, not them. Sometimes Bales hated being the oldest, but his younger siblings were the only things he cared about. He had to take care of them, even if that meant risking his life. He was okay with that.
“Okay… Okay, Bales. Will Steve come in with me?” Ace asked; finally grabbing his hand from her arm, dropping it back to her side. She walked to the door, letting Bales follow behind her.
“I’ll get him, yeah. He's been sitting out on the porch.” Bales nods. He knew he shouldn't have left Steve alone; knowing him, he'd try to run away just so he didn't get Reaped… but the amount of Peacekeepers they had in Eleven, Steve would never make it out alive, and he knew that too.
“Thank you, Bales.” Ace smiled softly.
“Of course, honey.” Bales responds, he watches as she slithers into the bathroom quietly, only shutting the door halfway. Steve and Ace would share the bath water, they didn't have the time to warm up more. Bales would wash their hair. It’s been the same routine for every single year. Not just on Reaping Day. Bales would always help his siblings, in fear that the next day something bad would happen to them, so he didn't want to leave them alone for more than even a minute.
“Stevie, the water’s getting cold.” Bales said— opening the door, letting it fall shut behind him. Steve had a blank expression on his face. He was whistling a song, letting the Mockingjays copy it. Steve liked the birds, he thought it was calming. Bales did too, that's why in the fields he would tell his younger siblings to whistle or sing a song. They would always be more than happy to listen.
“C’mon, Steve. Ace is waiting for you.” Bales mumbled; holding his hand out to help Steve up. Steve grabbed his hand tightly, pulling himself up with Bales’ help. Steve looked into Bales’ eyes. It was almost like he could see right through his oldest sibling. He could see the fear behind his eyes. He let go of his older brother's hand, something felt wrong. Something was bothering Bales because Steve could see it. Steve had the tendency to see right through everyone, especially Bales.
“Your name, Bales. How many tim-”
“I don't wanna tell you, Stevie.” Bales cut him off, breaking eye contact. He looked at the trees, they were barely moving. Another day with no breeze to cool them off. Steve scoffed, but he decided he shouldn’t push Bales on a day like this. Steve grabbed his brother's hand again. The fact that Bales wouldn't tell him was worrying, especially because he knew that Bales knew how many times his name was entered. He also knew how many times Steve’s name was there.
“Okay… that’s fine.” Steve mumbled, rubbing his thumb against the back of Bales’ hand. He was worried for his older brother, he hadn't acted like this in a while. It's like Bales knew something he didn't. But, Bales told Steve and Ace everything. Which was more than worrying for Steve to not know about how many times his name was there.
“It’s gonna be okay, Bales. Trust me.” Steve reassured him. Bales just grinned at him, finally looking back into his brother's dark eyes. The younger boy smiled back. Bales just hoped that Steve believed that nothing was wrong. He wanted nothing more than to just tell his siblings that he was terrified, but he couldn't. That would only worry them more. Being the oldest, the man of the house, made things hard for him, he had nobody to talk to. At least his two younger siblings could talk to each other about everything. Bales couldn't. He didn't want to worry his siblings, ever. He would have that heartfelt conversation with them when he was eighteen. Today wasn't the day for him to tell them about how scared he truly was. He has more time, that conversation could wait.
“Hell, Steve. I know!” Bales laughed, helping his brother into the house— though, Steve didn't need help. But, he didn't mind the comforting thought of his brother being close to him. Steve had always been closer to Ace, but Bales was just as good, and warm. If not even warmer than Ace.
“I want you to get clean, okay? I would help you, but I gotta get your outfit all ironed and looking good.” Bales said, patting Steve on his back gently, then rubbing. He just nodded to show his acknowledgement of what Bales was saying.
“Yeah, I can do that.” Steve said, kicking his boots off— he’d be wearing them again later for The Reaping since it was the fanciest pair of shoes he owned. Steve technically only had two pairs. Those boots and his work shoes. Bales liked Steve’s boots. They were dark brown, the kind of brown that looked like mud or clay while it was raining, with pointed toes, but not to the point it looked sharp; they were still somewhat rounded. The boots weren't that new, but Bales made sure to scrub any dirty off of them before Reaping Day. Though the boots had to be over twenty years old, the turquoise lines up the middle and across the top were brighter than ever. The boots were the brightest thing they owned, even if the main color was like dirt. There were small designs of a pattern, though Bales couldn't name what the pattern was. It looked like just fancy lines to him, with the same turquoise color, but this time it had some red and yellow too. On the front, more markings, but this time in a tan color. Bales like the blue, it was bright, it stood out against the other dull colors. It reminded him of rain, even if it was much brighter. He couldn't explain why, but those boots made Steve look happier. Bales knew he didn't trade for those boots, he wouldn't waste anything on them, even if his brother wanted them, and his siblings didn't trade either, he didn't allow them to. He could only assume that they were Steve’s and Ace’s fathers.
“Hey, make sure you clean Ace’s hair for her too. I don't want her complaining that it's dirty all day.” Bales said— pointing his finger playfully at Steve. The younger boy just grinned, waving him off with a scoff as he walked into the bathroom; shutting the door softly behind him. Bales sighed, letting the fake smile fall from his face. He decided to work on ironing Steve’s shirt; and trying to get small stains out of his vest. It was the only thing he could do while his siblings were busy washing up.
“Ace?” Steve asked. He had gotten into the bath with her already, cupping water in his hands to dump it over her head carefully. Then he ran his fingers through it. Her hair was short, it didn't take much to clean it, but he wanted to not only please Bales, but his younger sister too.
“Hmm?” Ace hummed out in response. The water was already getting cold on the two, but they knew better than to complain. Besides, it would be hot out today. A bit of cold water in the morning would not only wake them up more, but keep them cool for a little while.
“What's wrong with Bales?” He asks foolishly. He’s sure he knows it has something to do with the fact his name is getting put in there more and more, but he wasn't sure. Ace probably knew. Steve decided he shouldn't bug Bales about it as soon as they both woke up, but Ace would.
“His name… it’s… well…” She dipped her head slightly, letting Steve’s hand fall just to her shoulders, rubbing her dirty skin gently.
“What? How many times is it there?” Steve asked. He stopped rubbing her skin, and decided to go back to dumping water over her instead. He waited for her to say something, washing her back quietly. Ace sighed, rubbing her hands up and down her legs as she debated telling Steve.
“...Thirty six times.” She whispered, looking over her shoulder at Steve. Ace couldn't tell exactly how he felt, he just looked confused. Like he didn't believe her. He knew that was realistic, but it was scary. No wonder why Bales didn't want to tell him, that was a lot of times his name was added. Steve sighed, just shutting his eyes for a moment. He thought about what it would be like, having to watch his older brother go up on the stage— crying as he started shaking thinking about how his younger siblings would be alone. Steve hated that thought, so he opened his eyes, focusing on his sister instead. He knew it was better to focus on the present, the moments you’re supposed to be cherishing.
“I think he's worried about us too, though. He wouldn’t tell me how many times our names would be in there.” Ace said— looking back towards her knees. She looked at the freckles and the hair, it didn't bother her, nor did it bother anyone else. She liked to notice the small things about her. Steve sighed once more; going back to running his fingers through her short hair gently.
“I didn't wanna ask.” Steve admitted. It felt kind of dumb to ask. He already knew. He hadn't been doing the math for his and Ace’s names for a while now, but Bales didn't know that. Steve wasn't the smartest guy in Eleven, but he certainly wasn't the dumbest. Finally, Steve finished washing up Ace, so he turned around and so did she. She cupped water, dumping it over his head, playing with his hair softly. Steve’s skin was rough, rougher than hers. Though he was only a few months older than Ace, it was like he had seen so much more.
“I ain't very good at math, so I can't count.” Ace said, trying to make a joke out of the whole situation. Nothing seemed funny though— you couldn't joke about this kind of stuff normally. Reaping Day was a day you had to hold your breath and shut your mouth tight. Ace did just that; she shut her mouth and continued to wash Steve to the best of her ability. Staying clean was something that made them feel better, it gave them a better mindset.
“It's alright, Acey. Maybe we’re better off without knowing.”
“You’re all clean now, Stevie. Get out so Bales don't yell at us saying we’re taking too long to get ready. ‘Sides, the water is cold now.” Ace said, rubbing his shoulder slightly, as if it was a way to say that things will be alright. She stood from the water, letting it drip from her hair down her back. Taking a step from the bathtub, she grabbed two brown towels; one for her and one for Steve. Ace’s wet footprints marked the wooden floor in an almost humorous way. She wrapped herself in the towel, handing the other one to Steve.
“Thank you, Acey.”
“You're welcome.”
They walked out of the bathroom slowly; they both didn't want to deal with the rest of the day, but they couldn't fight it. Rebelling would make the day worse, it would make them lose each other for the rest of their lives; if they even got to keep them. District Eleven couldn't be rebellious, no, not anymore. Not in the slightest. They didn't know if it was the same in other districts, but the people had assumed it was. If it wasn't, there wouldn't be any games, no tributes, no violence, no killings— there would be no reason to keep The Hunger Games alive.
Rebellion was the whole reason this existed.
“Dry off and get dressed, you two. Then we’ll have breakfast, how's that sound?” Bales told them, holding out their outfits— freshly washed, freshly ironed. He looked proud about their outfits, looked proud about the fact he was around to help them. Bales was more of a father than anyone else had been to his siblings. He had to be around for them, he couldn't quit for nothing.
“Hopefully you've got something good to eat. Without a lot of butter.” Steve teased, grabbing his shirt and pants from Bales with a smile.
“Don't complain about my butter. You know I use it so much so our food isn't dry.” Bales rolled his eyes— smirking though, having no real annoyance behind his words. Steve mocked him while Ace just laughed.
“Go on, get dressed!” Bales shouted at them again, they laughed and went back to their rooms, the laughter slowly fading into a muffled conversation behind Ace’s closed bedroom door.
Bales sighed and turned away as soon as they were gone— it was hard trying to act happy, to act like you didn't care and you wouldn't let them hurt you.
“Come back out when you're ready.” He whispered under his breath, even though he knew they wouldn't be able to hear him. Bales prayed to himself, please, do not let this be his last day with his siblings.