Loss

I remember crying the next day when Mr. Wizard returned me home and I found only burnt ashes of what was left of my home.

Of my family.

I cried and wailed and sobbed and yelled. The anguish, sorrow and pain mixing altogether in my weak and small seven-year-old body. Mr. Wizard simply stood by me, not touching me nor saying anything. He simply kept me company as I cried my heart out.

No child had to go through what I did. But I did.

I remember not eating or talking for the next two days. Mr. Wizard brought me to Vita and she created a small wooden shelter for me to temporarily stay in and recuperate.

She asked (or more like forced) Mr. Wizard to provide me with food and water during that time. He also helped me wash myself and change my clothes. I couldn't even feel embarrassed because of what had just happened.

I felt empty and lost.

If it hadn't been for Vita and Mr. Wizard, I would probably have died due to starvation.

On the third day since my family was killed and my home destroyed, I finally started eating and talking bit by bit.

It was hard but I tried my best. For my family, for Vita, for Mr. Wizard and for myself.

On the fifth day since Vita took me in, Mr. Wizard spoke to me during dinner.

"The people who killed your family," he spoke carefully. "Were Volairians who were sent by King Faer."

I stopped eating then. "You mean, the same... people who destroyed Myrae?"

He didn't answer for a while but then he nodded.

I felt my heart swell. Not with sorrow or pain this time. But with hatred. Pure and fiery hatred. I hated King Faer more than I did before that day. I abhorred him.

And somewhere deep inside my child soul, I desired to... kill him.

"Shiro..." I heard Vita speak, her tone dipped in sorrow. "I know what you're thinking. Don't."

"But he killed my family, Vita," I turned to her, the anguish and hatred within unhidden. "He destroyed my home, my country. He took everything away from me! He has to... He has to...!"

"Child, calm your heart," Vita calmly spoke. "I can feel your feelings from here. I understand your pain but don't let your anger decide for you."

"Why shouldn't she let it?" Mr. Wizard suddenly spoke. "I think what she's thinking is a good idea."

"Axel..! Don't encourage her."

But Mr. Wizard only shrugged. "It's only right for her to feel that way, Vita," he said. "I, atleast, understand her in that aspect." He then turned to me with an observing look before turning back to Vita.

"You called me here for a reason. That night, when she was lost, you called me," he said with a calm tone. "Then you told me what that reason was.

"So that must mean I can help her somehow," he said, looking at me. "You think I'm the only one who can possibly help her."

Vita remained silent.

I didn't understand what those words meant back then. My heart and mind were too muddled by my recent loss to even try to understand his words. I simply continued eating my dinner as Mr. Wizard sat with a contemplating look on his face.

I wondered what he was thinking.