"Solace in Sorrow"

I walked up the stairs, my feet heavy with grief, and made my way to Dally's room. It was a place I had avoided since his death, not knowing how to face the memories that lingered within those walls. But now, I felt drawn to it, like a magnet. I pushed open the door and stepped inside, my eyes scanning the familiar space. The room was just as I had left it, with Dally's clothes scattered about, his comic books stacked on the nightstand, and his favorite chair by the window. It was a snapshot of his life, frozen in time. I closed the door behind me and locked it, shutting out the world outside. I didn't want to talk to anyone, didn't want to face anyone's pity or concern. I just wanted to be alone. I walked over to the bed and collapsed onto it, feeling the softness of the blankets and the hardness of the mattress beneath. I lay down, staring up at the ceiling, and let out a deep breath. The room was quiet, the only sound the creaking of the old house and the beating of my own heart. As I lay there, I felt the weight of my grief bearing down on me. It was like a physical force, crushing me beneath its pressure. I closed my eyes, letting the tears prick at the corners of my eyelids. I had held it all in for so long, trying to be strong for everyone else. But now, in this quiet, private space, I let it all out. Tears streamed down my face, hot and bitter. I sobbed, great heaving sobs that shook my entire body. I cried for Dally, for his senseless death, for the pain he had endured in his short life. I cried for myself, for the loss of my friend, for the hole that he had left in my heart. As I lay there, surrounded by Dally's belongings, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. It was a fragile peace, one that could shatter at any moment, but it was enough. For the first time since Dally's death, I felt like I could breathe, like I could let my guard down. I lay there for hours, lost in my grief, surrounded by the memories of my friend. The room was my sanctuary, my refuge from the world outside. And as I drifted off to sleep, surrounded by Dally's presence, I knew that I would be okay. Eventually.