7 Care

Their kids go running around and play together. Greffosh takes care of the conversation, talking about all the adventures he went on. Mariana smiles and just listens as we laugh together. We have a few drinks, though I already forget why I was brought here. 'I've had more than a few drinks; I can't take in anymore…'.

"Alie, you may need to drink some water." Greffosh says. "I will be back."

Greffosh leaves the table to get water for me and Mariana taps my shoulder. She looks at me, worried.

"Deary Al," Mariana says. "I can see that you're in some pain."

"Of course, everyone is in pain when they drink…" I mumble. "Now that I think about it, you sound like you have a Scottish accent…"

"Ah, Greffosh told me that too, but you know what I mean." Mariana says. "There is someone you miss, is there not?"

She was right, I knew that I was in pain at that moment. I never actually tried to think of why, but it hurt too much how I did miss someone. Not that it truly mattered but that it was the first time I thought it might. I just lay my head down and Mariana sits back. Greffosh came a little after with my water. I drank most of my water and lay my head back down. Then, I'm guessing Mariana whispered to him about what she was asking me. Greffosh pats my back and starts to tell me that I'm okay.

"I'm not okay, I'd probably be better with her if I could." I say. "If I knew I'd die, then I would probably stay by her side before it happened."

"If you miss her that much, write something for her." Greffosh says.

"Why would I do that?" I ask. "She wouldn't get it anyway…"

"Alie, listen to me, anything is possible." Greffosh says. "You may not think that at the moment, but I know you will after this."

"Sure…" I say.

I pass out on the table, and I wake up the next day in a completely unfamiliar room. It had so many things in it from my old world. I didn't notice anything at first, but everything then came back to me. 'Hold on, I was in the pub with Greffosh and his family…'. I then get out of the bed I was in and walk around.

"Greffosh, hello?" I say. "Anyone hear me?"

The door opens in front of me and Greffosh walks in. He comes over to me and slaps me in the face. I'm visibly confused at this point; I just stare at him.

"Greffosh, do you have another death wish?" I say. "Wait, where are we?"

"Ah… about that Alie." Greffosh says. "Now I will tell you who I am."

"Oh, okay great, let's hear it." I say.

I sit down on the bed and face Greffosh to let him start. He seemed a bit shaky at first, but he was able to stop and begin.

"Alie, I am the king of the 3rd city of soltica." Greffosh says. "I also apologize for keeping this from you."

"Wow… that's uh…" I say. "I'm, gonna need a minute."

"Of course," Greffosh adds. "I will be next to the door if you need anything."

He walks out and I just lay my back on the bed, looking up to the ceiling. 'What were the odds, my old best friend has been a king. This whole time I didn't notice one bit…'. I finish gathering up my thoughts and get off of the bed. Then I walk to the door and open it. Greffosh was on the side, and I looked round, I almost couldn't believe what I was seeing. Everything in here was just like being back at home. Although, it was kind of different.

"Mind giving me a tour?" I ask.

"Absolutely, Alie!" Greffosh responds.

We walk around the hallway, and I notice so many things that are from our old world. Obviously, it's a bit older since we died years apart, but seriously, it was so cool. I figured that we were in his castle since it was huge inside. Greffosh showed me study rooms, libraries, and even a secret room for games. Mariana was in their sewing room making clothes. Their kids on the other hand, were having tons of fun in their other gaming room. 'I still don't know the kids' names.'. Greffosh stops the tour in the dining room.

"So, how do you feel about everything?" Greffosh asks.

"I'm surprised to feel like I'm actually pretty okay with it." I respond. "Also, I don't think I ever got your kid's names."

"Ah, Alie, you seemed to have forgotten them then." Greffosh says.

"Oh no… don't tell me…" I say.

"You were quite drunk, crazy dancing, but the kids loved you." Greffosh says. "They're names are Phlind and Torell. You looked like you were having fun."

"Well, at least I didn't do anything bad." I sigh.

"The kids knew you were drunk too." Greffosh chuckles.

"What do you teach them???" I say.

"Nothing, hah!" Greffosh responds. "They are very quick learners. Already in the middle school, top of all their classes."

"That's actually not so surprising now that I think about it." I say. "You were like the 'Modern Einstein' in our school."

"You are absolutely correct, Alie." Greffosh says.

'Oh shoot, Klotic and Jalia are still waiting for me'. I forgot how much time has passed since I last left.

"Hey, I really need to go." I say. "It was great getting to know that my old pal is here!"

"Ah, do you have a loved one at home...?" Greffosh nudges me.

"Cut it out!" I laugh. "It's just that the bunny and my assistant is still waiting for me. I'll see ya another time, bye!"

I start walking to the front door and look back. I then wave goodbye to him. 'This was really fun, honestly didn't expect it. I hope I'm able to bring them next time.'.

"Alie, I'm rooting for you!" Greffosh waves. "If you need any advice, I am here for you!"

'Heh, thanks old pal, thanks…'.