Derek pushed open the door to Kira's bedroom and stood at the threshold for a long moment, his eyes moving slowly over everything in the room. The space felt empty without her chaotic energy filling it, and the silence was practically mocking him.
As he stepped inside, a sudden, vivid memory flashed across his mind, cutting through his dark mood. He could almost see Kira clearly, standing right on top of the mattress, jumping up and down like a hyperactive toddler, completely off her rocker, wearing a headset and screaming the lyrics to Sweet but Psycho at the top of her lungs.
The memory pulled a low chuckle out of him as he walked further in, and her words from that day came drifting back.
It's called de-stressing, Your Grace. Some people use music. You should try it sometime. Might help with that permanent stick you've got up your ar—
He smiled to himself, shaking his head as he stared at the empty bed.
