Ch.12- A Promise Kept and a Promise Made.

I see. Everything makes sense now.

I had deeply hoped that I would see Cerila lying in bed recovering from some mundane illness upon opening this door. Or maybe she was just studying or practicing magic and didn't hear us knock.

But this confirmed my worst fears.

I had been dreading this scenario for a long time. But all of Cerila's actions made complete sense to me now. Why she always wore her baggy cloak that covered her entire body, never taking it off for any reason. Why she always hid her face around people she didn't seem to trust, why she would spend so much time with me. Why she destroyed food like she was starving.

I at least expected a room, but it was nothing more than a glorified broom closet.

Even in the low light of the house, I could still see. Laying at the bottom of the closet was a little Beastmen girl. She didn't even have enough room to lay down completely. Her thin arms and legs were spotted with multiple blue and purple bruises. Her white hair disheveled and was matted down to her face by dry blood. Her unconscious breathing was shallow and strained.

"Padraic, grab her things. I'll carry her," I spoke calmly.

Padraic moved to grab her cloak and satchel that she was using as a pillow when this monster had the audacity to question us. "What do you think you are doing?" she asked, surprised.

"Just like you wished, giving you one less mouth to feed. Not that you did that anyway," I responded coldly.

I wanted nothing more than to incinerate the monster that stood within my reach. I wanted her to suffer just like she made Cerila suffer. She was obviously feeding Cerila just enough for it not to be evident on her face.

And seeing Cerila like this… If I hadn't lost my cool earlier, there was no doubt I would have tried to kill Cerila's sister. I still wanted to do it now. I didn't know there was a feeling beyond anger, but I was feeling it now.

As gently as possible, I scooped Cerila into my arms. I might have been able to carry her without even using mana to enhance myself. She was so light.

"Let's leave," I said.

Padraic hastily snatched up her cloak and satchel and moved ahead of me. Cerila's sister made one final attempt to halt us. "Stop, you can't just take her!" she snarled.

"What are you going to do? Stop me?" I glared at her over my shoulder.

In reality, she could quickly stop me. She was far bigger and stronger than me. And in this small hallway with Cerila in my hands, I was at a considerable disadvantage, especially since she obviously didn't care about her little sister's life all that much.

But I had no intention of leaving Cerila here any longer. If she wanted to stop me, it was going to cost her far more than what it was going to be worth for her. So I formed two fireball spell cores from my hands and placed them to my left and right and had them hover in the air next to me. If she made a move, I wouldn't hesitate to launch them.

"Go ahead, stop me."

"You-u-u you wouldn't dare," Cerila's sister responded.

"Come find out," I said, my voice dripping with malice.

She didn't say anything as I just glared at her. Everything was quiet as we stared each other down.

Finally, she gave a nervous scoff. "Fine. Whatever, just get that freak out of my house, you monster."

If I had to be a monster to get Cerila out of here, then so be it. Padraic was just facing away and was shaking.

Sorry, buddy. Maybe I used a bit too much bloodlust. Good thing Cerila isn't awake.

Together we walked out of that prison, hopefully never returning to it. I didn't need to say anything to Padraic as he knew where we were going.

And I had a lot of questions for that person.

—

I barged into Grandpa's office. Thankfully nobody was here right now, not that it would have stopped me anyway. Grandpa looked up from his counter and stared at us with wide eyes.

"Heal her," I demanded.

He was already moving towards us before I even spoke. I could never fault the old healer for his attention to possible patients. I had many questions to ask him, but they could be asked when Cerila's safety was guaranteed.

"Come, bring her to the back room."

I did what was asked of me and headed towards the back of the office. Grandpa's office was sort of like a hybrid of a storefront that sold medical supplies from herbs all the way to crafted medicine. The office also had a patient room and even a housing area where Grandpa lived.

Grandpa quickly gave Padraic a once-over and gently grabbed his broken hand that had turned purple and enveloped it in a ball of bright yellow light. "Should feel better in a few minutes," he said quickly.

I laid Cerila down on the bed, and Grandpa went to work instantly. He enveloped her entire body in a cocoon of soft yellow light. Finally, I couldn't bring myself to watch anymore, so I left and waited in the living area with Padraic for Grandpa to finish what needed to be done.

After waiting in silence with Padraic for about an hour, I finally calmed down a bit. I didn't want to murder everything in my path anymore, but I was still plenty angry when Grandpa walked in.

So I did what anyone else would have done and lashed out. "Why didn't you tell me? How could you let this happen to her?! You knew what was going on but you did nothing!" I yelled.

Grandpa's eyes went wide as he looked at me. Then his gaze hardened. "This is exactly why she didn't want you to know anything, boy. Cerila knew you would be like this from the beginning, so she asked me never to speak about it to you."

He grabbed a glass and filled it with water using magic. He quickly chugged down the water and wiped the remaining drops from his mouth. Then he turned to face me. His green eyes glared right at me. The overwhelming pressure that emitted from this old man was suffocating. I choked on the very air I was breathing.

"And do not lecture me, boy. You know nothing. I've done everything in my power to help Cerila long before she even knew you existed. I overextend my reach to help the girl whenever possible. When her parents died, I even offered to raise her as my own. I fed her when she was starving. I healed her bruised body when she was beaten. I gave her medicine when she was sick, and I even trained her to control her mana. I went as far as to get her that magic stone and had your mother make that manaweave cloak she uses every single day. I did everything I possibly could for her. Even after her sister forbade me from helping Cerila, I still reached out from the shadows and did what I could."

I've never seen Grandpa so angry as he slowly approached me. "I am the town's doctor, do you understand that? I can't just interfere with a family's home life. That isn't my place. The entire town would have me ousted if I started interfering with people's families. So I have no authority on the matter. I'm just the village healer."

Grandpa was in my face now as he spoke, the anger of his tone and the pressure he emitted diminishing slightly. "Do you not understand how hard it was for me to sit idly by and watch, knowing what was happening to her? I hated myself for not being able to do more. No matter how much I wanted to, I could never be a part of her family and take her away from that place." Grandpa stood and backed away from my face and gave me a wry smile. "But then you came along and changed everything. I couldn't seek Cerila out, but if she was with you, I could help her again. Under the guise of teaching and supporting you, I could also do the same for her once more. And nobody could stop me from doing that as long as the request came from you." Grandpa turned away, sank into an oversized leather chair, and placed his head into his hands.

"Cerila stopped smiling after her parents died, you know? Always hiding in her hood, staying as far away from people as possible. Especially when she was ousted from school by all those hooligans. She blames herself for her parents' deaths, and so does everybody else. Cerila's sister and brother also blamed me for not being able to help them. They blamed a child for something she had no control over. But people always look for someone to blame when things go wrong. Cerila's father was an elder of Owlkirk and a close friend of mine. Even though he used to be my enemy, that crazy Elf still welcomed me into his town with open arms. I owe him a great debt, a debt that I failed to repay." Grandpa sat back and sighed deeply.

Then he gave me a genuine smile. That overwhelming pressure from before is completely absent now. Both Padraic and myself chugged air now that we could breathe normally again.

"But you gave me another chance to fulfill my promise to him. Perhaps it was fate that you met her in that alley. Whatever it was that brought you two together, it couldn't have made me happier. You brought the smile back to her that she had been missing for a long time. She hangs on every word you say to her and tries hard to stay with you because she is afraid you will leave her one day if she isn't enough. Not that you would ever actually abandon her. Clearly, that thought never crossed your mind." Grandpa stood up and walked toward me. He took my hands into his then began to heal them.

I had really done a number on them by forcing my nails into them so much today.

"Then, through you, she made another friend as well. I can say with confidence she hasn't been this happy in a long time, and it's thanks to the both of you. I know why you are frustrated and know that I am as well. So I'll say it only once, thank you both for being her friend." Grandpa gave a short bow to both of us.

Padraic, who had been completely blindsided by the conversation just as much as me, and who nearly passed out from Grandpa's oppressive aura, spoke with a surprisingly joyful attitude. "Of course. That's what friends do," he declared.

I didn't even know what to say. I let my anger get the better of me yet again today and blamed the very man who had been selflessly helping Cerila this entire time.

I did not understand the depths of his commitment toward Cerila, yet I still vented my anger out on him. I was both embarrassed and relieved to know all of this now. I was embarrassed that I didn't see through all of this sooner. The signs were obvious, yet I couldn't see them, or maybe I just didn't want to see them.

I still have much to learn about people and emotions. Also, I should have known Grandpa wasn't actively choosing to ignore Cerila's plight. He cared far too much for those he took care of. And I was embarrassed that Cerila still wasn't comfortable enough around me to trust that I wouldn't leave her.

But I was relieved to know I wasn't alone and that there were people who cared about her besides me. That this old Human could care so much about some little fox girl that he was willing to risk his livelihood in the village to help her. And perhaps together, we could achieve what Grandpa couldn't do alone.

Then again, how much credence does a six and eight-year-old boy really have?

"I'm sorry, Grandpa. I didn't know," I said dejectedly.

"It's fine. You might be smart, but you don't know everything. So now, both of you tell me everything that happened today. And don't leave out a single detail, understood?"

—

I recounted everything that happened today. From start to finish, I left no details out of my report. I didn't sugarcoat any of it either, even my fight with Celedon, how I threatened to burn Cerila's home down if her sister tried to stop me.

That of course, got me a quick slap on the wrist from the old man. I deserved it, of course. If she had actually called my bluff, I probably would have attacked at that moment, which could have endangered not only myself but also Padraic and Cerila.

Fortunately, she was just a spineless monster on a power trip that preyed on a little girl who couldn't fight back.

"I see… they really said that about her, huh? I didn't know it had gotten so awful. When your father and I returned Cerila back to her home, her sister was furious that I was there. But I didn't think she would go this far… normally it was just a bruise here or there, but this is outright abuse. To think she lived like that for so long… I'm ashamed of myself for letting things degrade this far." Grandpa furrowed his brows in frustration and leaned back into his leather chair with a long sigh. He rubbed his temples aggressively and didn't say anything for a time. Then he shot up.

"Okay. I know what needs to be done. It's about damn time anyway. I need to grab some people. You two stay here and watch over Cerila. Make sure you feed her if she wakes up. Can either of you cook?" Grandpa asked.

I just looked at Padraic, and we both just shrugged our shoulders at each other.

Grandpa sighed. "Of course, you can't. There are dried rations in one of the cabinets. They will suffice if she wakes up. Make sure you don't feed her too much, understand? If she overeats, she might die. I'm leaving immediately, and it may be some time before I return. I'll make sure to inform both of your parents as well, so don't worry. "

Surprisingly it seems the old man is aware of refeeding syndrome. This world's medical and technological knowledge is skewed in such weird ways because of magic.

Grandpa grabbed a few things and left straight away, moving swiftly for an older man.

Padraic sighed and slumped into the couch quickly. "Man… today was not fun at all."

"No… not fun at all," I agreed. Hopefully, the worst is over now. But, I'm not sure I can mentally take more of this, honestly. "I'm gonna go-…."

I had intended to ask Padraic if he wanted to check on Cerila with me, but the guy just passed out as soon as he closed his eyes. I guess it's been a long day for him too.

I made my way towards the back room and quietly opened the door. Then I mentally berated myself for attempting to be quiet for a person who can't hear. I walked into the small patient room and scanned around. I'd been in here plenty of times over the years but it was kind of weird.

It seems the color white being associated with sterile and clean environments transcends not only intergalactic species but entire dimensions as well. But then again, is this even another dimension?

Is it possible that this is just another planet on the far fringes of space that hasn't been discovered? I shudder at the thought that Humanity's vast military armada might come to my new home one day. But in all likelihood, this world probably exists in another dimension.

Ah, just thinking about this hurts my head. Today has been too damn long. I'm a fighter, not some scientist. No point in stressing out over something I have no control over.

The curtains were open and letting the warm evening light bake the room. Laying on the bed and sleeping soundly was Cerila. Her breathing was rhythmic and calm once again. The bruises have already faded and Grandpa even washed all the dry blood off of her body and hair.

She looked like some kind of snow angel, sleeping in a completely white bed with white sheets. It would probably be some time before she wakes up. But seeing her like this really puts my mind at ease. Knowing she is okay now and things are going to be better. I pulled up a nearby chair, sat down at the edge of the bed, and placed my head in my hands. I let out a long sigh and decided to turn my brain off for a while.

Today was rough… but in all honesty, I don't regret a single thing I did. Maybe I could have gone about it differently, but what's done is done, and I'm content.

But what now? Where do we go from here? I'm sure Grandpa is doing something to ensure Cerila's safety. And what do I want to do? How can I help her not only now but in the future? I spent a few minutes in deep contemplation, thinking about all the things I could do.

In reality, there isn't much I can do… I'm only six years old, I don't have a job or money, and I'm far from being considered an adult in this world. Of course, I still plan on being Cerila's friend and helping her with her studies and training. But surely after all these things, life won't be the same?

I really don't know what else I can do for some little girl. Then I remembered what Grandpa said earlier about how she didn't trust me all the way yet. It kind of hurts to think about that, but I understand. I am technically lying to not only her but everybody else.

So what can I do?

I let out another deep sigh and came to a conclusion. I can only do what I am capable of doing, and I know what I want now. I want to protect this.

Cerila, as she is now, sleeping peacefully. I want to protect not only her but Padraic, Mom, Dad, and Grandpa. I don't ever want to see this happen to anybody I care about ever again. And I'll do everything in my power to see that promise realized, even if it costs me everything.

—

I woke up to somebody lightly tapping my face. The room was much darker now, and it must be far later in the day. Damn, I must have fallen asleep.

"Wakey, wakey little Elf," somebody called out to me in a singsong voice.

Huh?

I rubbed my eyes to get a better look at the person talking to me and was surprised to see them here. It's been well over a year since I've seen her, but the first day I ever met Cerila is forever engraved in my memory.

It was the Wood Elf ranger that just happened to have been patrolling the market that day. She looked exactly the same, too in that green leather ranger uniform that matched her eyes.

She had long blonde hair that flowed past her shoulders in bouncy curls. It was always hard for me to tell how old an Elf was. This woman looked no older than her early twenties, but she could be well over one hundred years old in Human years.

"Umm, hello," I said, still groggy and kind of embarrassed.

Eh, this is kind of awkward. I was pretty rude to her that day as well.

"It's been a while, little Shadowheart. You sure have grown a lot," she smiled at me.

I don't think I've grown that much. I'm still the shortest person and the youngest person in the room most of the time. Hell, even my Dwarven friend is still taller than me.

"Thanks… uh" Damn, I didn't even know her name.

She just gave me another warm smile. "Sergeant Meus Soulbirth. But you can just call me Meus."

"Okay, Meus," I responded.

Have to remember this name for sure.

I was about to ask what was going on when I remembered why I was even here in the first place. I shot my eyes around, but Cerila wasn't in bed anymore so it was just me and Meus. That was until somebody else opened the door and walked in.

"Ayo, rise n shine, young man. It's good to see you again."

I turned around in my chair and saw the other ranger from the market that day standing in the doorway. He had brown hair that was buzzed down to the scalp. This might be the first time I've seen an Elf with such short hair.

His eyes were a swirling moss green color and instead of the typical green uniform, he was wearing a mat black with green accents. It probably denotes him as being a squad leader or maybe an officer.

He pulled one of the other chairs from the wall and sat down next to me. "Had a long day, mmm?" he asked me cheerfully.

"Yeah, you could say that, ummm…" I trailed off.

Damn… I didn't know his name either.

He just chuckled and continued talking cheerfully. "Captain Bein Amberdew. It is nice to finally get to speak to you, Kaladin. Everyone just calls me Captain Amber around here, so feel free to do the same," Captain Amber informed me with a smile.

"Nice to meet you, Captain Amber, so what can I do for you, sir?"

Captain Amber just let out a sigh. "I knew you were gonna be a dangerous one, but I at least thought you'd wait a few years. It's a shame we had to meet again because of business, but I need you to explain to me everything that happened today and start from the beginning. Sergeant Meus and I have already questioned everyone else, so you are the last person I need to speak to tonight."

"I see…" Grandpa did say he was going to gather some people. I guess things are serious if the captain and sergeant of the rangers are here.

But I went ahead and explained everything to them. I didn't want to lie and risk having Cerila punished or even worse, going back to that hell hole. I also made sure to tell them this was all my doing, and Padraic was simply following my orders. I spared no details and described everything as I saw it.

"So, that's how it is, huh? I understand. I can't condone you threatening to burn somebody down with fire magic or you getting in a fight with another kid and breaking their wrist. You get that, right?" he told me seriously.

The friendly attitude he had up til now was gone and replaced with a stern commander. Brings back bad memories.

"Yes, it might not have been the best way to do things but… all the same, knowing what I know now, I would have done it all over again," I said confidently.

This must have surprised him as he probably didn't expect me to double down on my actions.

Instead, he just laughed and leaned back into the chair. "Sir… what are we going to do? This is a serious issue, you know…" Meus pouted.

"I've already made up my mind, and we aren't going to do anything. This was nothing more than a family feud and boys being boys, nothing to worry about as far as I see. As long as Kaladin understands that he shouldn't go around starting fires in my outpost?" Captain Amber said while crossing one of his legs over his other. I nodded quickly and affirmatively in response to his question.

"But what about the elders? Surely something like this will—"

Captain Amber cut off Meus before she could finish. "Don't worry about them. This doesn't concern those old farts. As far as I'm concerned, they can go sit on a sword. This is our jurisdiction, not theirs, so they have no say. So officially this is going down as a simple family issue. And the fight at the school was nothing more than two young boys getting into a little melee," Captain Amber spoke calmly. It seems Sergeant Meus was just playing devil's advocate as she was all smiles now as well.

"But what about Cerila? You aren't going to send her back, right?" I asked with worry.

"Psh. After everything I've heard tonight, I don't plan on doing that. It would be best for everyone if this were just a simple matter. And as far as what is going to happen to Cerila? Well, she can decide that on her own. She just turned nine, so she can make her own decisions. If she wants to go home, she can go back home. Dr. Jacobs has already offered her to stay with him, so she has a choice. It's up to her to make that choice," Captain Amber said matter of factly.

I'm not sure if this is just how he is all the time, but I'm now a Captain Amber fan for life.

This couldn't have been a better outcome, no lengthy bullshit red tape to cross, just a simple matter being handled discreetly. I owe this man an outstanding debt I can only hope to repay one day.

"Thank you, Captain," I said earnestly. I even gave him a genuine smile. They both returned that smile.

"No problem, young man. Just try to stay out of trouble, okay? And whatever decision she makes, don't fight her over it, okay?" Captain Amber asked me.

"Of course, Captain."

"Now then, let's go break the news, shall we?" Captain Amber said while rising from the chair and stretching.

I did the same and stretched myself out. Falling asleep in a wooden chair was awful. I feel like an old man since my back hurts so much.

Together we left the room and opened the door to the living area of Grandpa's office. Sitting on the assortment of chairs and couches were my mom, Padraic, Mr. Whitehelm, Grandpa, and of course, Cerila. Looks like the whole gang's here.

Meus patted me on the shoulder and whispered for me to go sit down. I walked over to sit down with my mom, but I made sure to make eye contact with Cerila beforehand. Even though she was still recovering, she already looked much better. Cerila gave me a warm smile that seemed to light up her eyes.

Captain Amber straightened himself up and spoke in his serious tone once more. "Now then, after hearing from everybody today, as Captain of Owlkirk's Ranger Detachment, I shall make my verdict known. Today's fight at The Garden was nothing more than a scuffle amongst boys. Both parties were healed and reprimanded, so nothing else to be said other than don't do it again."

I could hear my mother give a sigh of relief as she pinched my leg to alleviate some of her worries. Captain Amber continued, "And regarding the umm… 'incident' regarding Cerila. I've decided to handle it as a family issue which has been handled as of now and requires no further investigation. Of course, this is just officially speaking. As for what will happen with Cerila, I am leaving that choice completely up to her. Sgt. Soulbirth and I will act as witnesses to the decision that she makes. We shall honor her choice, whatever it may be." Captain Amber made sure to speak that last part slowly and deliberately while making direct eye contact with Cerila.

Cerila might have missed out on some of the conversations, but she definitely got the last part. Cerila had her tablet and began writing on it.

Of course, the decision was simple. Staying with Grandpa was by far the best choice. She would be well taken care of by him.

She turned the tablet to face everyone and what was written on it was a surprise, to be sure. I watched as everyone's jaws dropped, mine included.

<I want to stay with Kaladin. He already said I was part of his family anyways, so I want to stay there with him.> Was what the tablet said.

Mmmmm? What now? I don't remember that being one of the options.

After the initial shock of reading the tablet, Padraic, his father, Grandpa, Captain Amber, and even Sgt. Meus started chuckling in surprise. But it seemed Cerila was being very serious.

My mother, who didn't laugh, seemed to have understood exactly what she meant. Mom just smiled at Cerila and shot up instantly and gave her a big hug.

"Of course, we will take care of you! I kind of wanted to have a daughter anyways… Besides, Kaladin, you never told me you consider her to be family. I thought you would have waited at least a few more years," my mother said blushing while squeezing Cerila. Rather than fighting back, Cerila just hugged her back instead.

This got another round of laughter out of everyone, much to my own embarrassment. What do you mean mother? Ugh, whatever.

Also, does that mean Mom wished I was a girl instead? She didn't even hesitate to accept Cerila. My pride as the best son in the world is really taking a hit today.

But my embarrassment didn't matter all that much. Even though I was surprised at first, it still made me happy that Cerila wanted to stay with me. Perhaps I've finally gained her trust. I couldn't hide my smile as I felt my face flush.

Mmm, this is a way better feeling compared to being angry or worried all the time.

"Well then, I believe that settles everything. We've witnessed Cerila's decision, and both parties seem to be in agreement. I think we shall take our leave then and let the new family be. Let's go, Sergeant."

Captain Amber said his farewells quickly and left. Sergeant Meus was next and gave a friendly wave to everybody but me. She purposely made eye contact with me and gave me a wink instead.

What's with that wink? I don't get it.

Next, Padraic and his father got up as well. Mr. Whitehelm walked over to me with a massive smile on his face, "You are a sly one aren't you? But thanks for staying around my boy! May you have many adventures together in the future!" the old Dwarf bellowed while patting my shoulders then promptly walking away and refusing to elaborate.

Padraic gave me a firm pat on the back and a shit-eating grin as well. So what is with these people? And well, I guess I see Padraic and him are more alike than I thought.

Now that everyone had left, it was just Mom, Cerila, Grandpa, and me. Mom still hadn't released Cerila from her bear hug, and Grandpa was just sitting in his leather chair with a content look on his face.

He waved for me to come over to him, and I did. "I can rest easy knowing she is with you and your family. Take good care of her for me, son," he said softly.

He hasn't called me son since the first day I woke up from the Shadowling attack. It brought a warmth to my chest hearing him call me son.

"I already planned on doing that, Grandpa."

The old healer rocked back and forth a few times in his chair and got up with the momentum. "Now, the lot of you, get out of my damn house. It's past my bedtime." I imagine he was trying to sound annoyed but the smile on his wrinkly face betrayed him.

"Yes, let's go, Kal. It's late, and Dr. Jacobs is old and needs his beauty sleep," my mother said with a giggle. Grandpa just huffed in response, lacking the energy to argue.

I turned to Cerila and signed with a smile.

<Let's go home, Cerila.>

—

The walk home at night is so enjoyable. It's not hot and humid anymore. The trees are waving from the breeze blowing through them. The village is quiet and peaceful at this time of night as well.

Rather than having Cerila walk home, I offered to carry her since she was still recovering. At first, she was hesitant, but I would have had none of that. Mom had stayed behind briefly to talk to Grandpa on how best to speed Cerila's recovery up, so it was just us two walking home. Well, I was the only one walking.

I tried to carry her on my back, but that was just far too difficult. Cerila was much taller than me after all, so her feet just dragged across the ground. Putting her on my shoulders also didn't go very well since that defeated the whole point of her recovering and once again, the height difference made it not worth the attempt.

So I had opted to carry her in my arms. Typically, this would be impossible for a six-year-old to achieve but enhancing myself with mana makes this nothing more than a casual stroll for me.

I guess the only bad part about this arrangement is I can't sign back to Cerila if she tries talking to me. But, of course, as soon as I thought that to myself, Cerila immediately tugged on my collar to get my attention.

I really jinxed that one, huh?

<Hey, Kal. I'm sorry.>

I simply raised my eyebrows and shook my head from side to side. There was no need for her to be sorry about anything that happened today.

<No, I really am sorry. I didn't tell you the truth. And because of that, this all happened, and you almost got in trouble. I'm so sorry, Kal.> I could see the tension on her face. She was even on the verge of crying as tears welled up in her eyes.

Ah, not good. Please don't cry. Shit, she is crying now. Gotta do something.

Instead of loosely carrying her, I hugged her tightly instead. She sank her face into my tunic and started making a mess of it with her tears and snot. A little surprised, I just decided to let her vent her emotions.

After a few minutes of walking and sobbing, she finally calmed down enough to look at me again. I gave my best attempt at a smile to quell her nerves and mouthed my following words as slowly and deliberately as possible.

<Do not worry, it is okay. This is what family is for. I promise. I will never leave you. Or let anything like this ever happen again.>

I remember that Grandpa told me she was worried that I would leave her. I thought maybe that was what she was worried about, that since she thinks she caused me problems, I might abandon her. It seems I was right on the mark.

Her swollen eyes got even bigger as she stared at me and sobbed again. Cerila wrapped her small arms around my neck and hugged me, wiping her snot all across me in the process.

Sorry about the laundry, Mom. But at least Cerila is happy.

—

We finally got home, and I wasn't sure what to do when my mom came just a few moments after. But how was that possible? I didn't hear or sense her at all? Then again, I guess I wasn't actively looking for her.

Mom helped Cerila out with... well, whatever she needed, I guess. I yawned deeply and realized just how tired I really was. My back still hurts from sleeping in that damn chair.

Man, being tired is a drag.

I kind of miss not having to sleep for weeks at a time. But then again… I do actually like sleeping. I yawned once more and put my body into autopilot mode to get ready for bed. Finally, after finishing my nightly pre-bedtime ritual, I flopped into my bed face down and let out a long sigh.

It's finally over. This is contesting for one of the longest days of both my lives. Glad it's finally over.

I started drifting off to sleep when my door opened, spewing orange candlelight into the room. My mom has her own ritual of always seeing me before falling asleep. Sometimes she tells me stories. Other times she just tucks me in. I thought she might have forgone that tonight, but I guess not.

I rolled my head over to face the door, and I let out a surprised gasp. I had been expecting my mother, but it was Cerila wearing one of my Mom's silver nightgowns. It was way too big on her.

I laid there, my face half turned to her on my pillow as we stared at each other. Finally, she placed the candle down on my desk and stepped forward to sign.

<Your Mom said I could sleep in your room tonight.> The sudden burst of light had ruined my eyes that were adapted to the dark, so I couldn't really see what kind of face she was making since she had stepped in front of the candle now.

I stuck one of my arms out and signed with one hand. <Okay. I can sleep on the couch tonight.>

I began to roll myself out of bed when she stopped me. <No. You don't have to go.> She signed.

I went to sign back, and she stopped me again.

<No, please.>

Maybe she just doesn't want to sleep alone? She has been sleeping in a broom closet for who knows how long. My bed is somewhat large since this was supposed to be a guest room originally.

Meh, too tired, no point in fighting over it.

I relented and just rolled back into bed. Cerila quickly extinguished the candle and climbed in with me. I turned my back thinking she would want more space since I didn't take up very much space myself.

Instead, she hugged me from the back tightly. I recoiled a bit surprised, but whatever makes her feel safer, I told myself. She didn't say or do anything as her breathing began to get slower and steadier. She fell asleep quickly.

Guess it's been a long day for her as well.

I wasn't conscious for much longer as our shared warmth and the fatigue from a long day ushered me to sleep.