Yesterday Was Hard On All Of Us

Summary: A one-shot prompt after Barry is kidnapped by Zoom on Earth 2. Spoilers for 2x16-17

Every day was the same.

Every day they asked him if he was fine.

Every night he had to close his eyes.

He had to see Zoom.

Every night he had to live each microsecond to its fullest potential.

Every night he tossed and turned.

He woke up screaming.

Every night he met his reflection in the mirror.

He met the sunken gray, pallor and admitted it to be his own.

Every day Caitlin and Cisco cast worried glances.

Every day Iris and Joe probed into the dark corners of his mind.

Every day Barry pulled away.

Even if it was a little bit at a time.

Every day he had to face what happened.

Every day he had to face the questions.

The awkward silences.

Every night he had to face his demons.

Every night he had to face them alone.

Every night Barry Allen had to remember Zoom.

He had to remember Earth 2.

Every time someone asked or mentioned the parallel world the CSI flinched away.

Every time he took a deep breath and closed his eyes…

He was back in that Cave.

He was back in the dark.

And everyday since then was the same.

Everyday Barry struggled to be The Flash.

He struggled to pretend he didn't see it.

See the light ebbing away.

See his heart dying.

See his eyes growing duller.

His hope dimmer.

Every day Joe asked him if he was okay.

And everyday Barry would say yes.

Author Notes: R&R!