the gentle, soft splashing of water filled the room as cyrus sat at the edge of the pool, his legs dangling into the water. it was dark out, but the large windows of the glass room kept out any bugs or animals. he sighed softly, closing his eyes as his hands rested in his lap. his fingertips instinctively traced the burn scars that curled around his fingers and wrists, scoring his palms and the back of his hands. he’d been staying with one of his friends recently, since his apartment complex was under construction. they had a giant house, too, so he was trying not to be a nuisance.

the white fabric of his shirt shifted as he leaned forward, looking at his reflection in the water. he carded his fingers through his chocolate brown hair, sighing. he didn’t feel tired.