An Inch Closer

Aberdeen City, 19 years ago

He had just gone back from work when the 11-year-old Garan was met with a chubby brown-haired boy.

In his hand was a pink paper bag, and inside it was a stuffed toy to accompany that small dog stuffed toy of hers. Plushies should be big enough to be hugged, he thought, and she ought to have a much larger one than the old one that could fit in her small pocket.

Because of the gift, he took overtime work and took even more time to buy it, so he was a few hours late in getting back than usual.

He ran home excitedly afterward, looking forward to his Angel's smiling face. 

"Garan! Garan! Big news!!" The boy ran to him with his usual energy, but this time he was frowning and looked a little sad.

"Garan! Althea is gone!" The little chubby boy—Beany—said, looking at him with pity. But his pitiful look soon turned to fear.