He awoke feeling drained this wasn’t his first battle, although it was one of his hardest, he felt he got lucky…


    That gargoyle was an ambush predator and he got the drop on it he knew the the skeleton antagonists were supposed to hunt him and distract him long before he even knew a beast stalked the edges and struck in blind spots.


    He wondered what would happen when there were two gargoyles. Perhaps they could cover each other weaknesses or even if they had something more than a skeleton to command….


    It did not matter he wanted to see the kids it had been too long and he was sure they be happy for a visit.


    Maybe they could share an adventure that would be nice he could surprise them by showing his control over darkness.


    he hasn’t got as good as the guild master he didn’t want to call her mom… But he did admire how her power was like water and flowed so easily from her.


    Besides some stiffness, he felt fine getting dressed the rare healing potions were truly a miracle from the gods, broken and shattered bones mended in moments, if they also cured fatigue with no sided effects he knew all himself included,


    would beg for a chance to earn more, and never be able to live without them… so he supposed it good it had some drawbacks of prohibited cost for the best ones he was given.


    When he made his way to the main hall in the guild, there was a small line of those wanting to make money or sell goods at the counters.


    So it was no surprise seeing Rosa was tending to the guests he figured Terry must be putting supplies away.


    “ sorry to interrupt, “ he said to Rosa near the counter “ but Terry hear? I was hoping to get paid. “


    “ O, you’re awake! “ She replied, “You had us worried, you never came back unconscious before, you are ok, right ? “ she asked with concern in her voice.


    Embarrassed he waved his hand while looking away not liking the attention “ I’m fine, Terry tho? “  she frowned noticing his discomfort she wasn’t sure why he was shy he was a good boy.


    Just needed a little more confidence she relented and answered his question. “ He was handling a delivery last I heard.”


    “Were supplies to help you with your dungeons”


    “ tho don’t know the details.”   With that she went back to help those wanting.


    They didn’t seem to mind as they were invested with interest in what the outcome was with the boy


    but when he nodded and left saying nothing they went back to their own business instead.


    Rock woke early he liked the grey robe it was simple he did not mind conformity it was how most beastkin felt they enjoyed working towards the greater good.


    It hurt when they abandoned them and the tribe felt they weren’t worth the burden but that was the past they had a new tribe now a better one…


    He thought the boss would be their new leader he did try, smirking but he did not give him hope, it felt like a false promise.


    They were told the by boss the church was bad but they only loved them, they did not have them live in the cold streets to prove a point,


    no… boss was wrong  “Brother? “ He looked over and saw his sister ziala rubbing her eyes waking up.


    “ it’s early, “ she said


    “ yes “ he replied she yawned while replying “What time is it“


    “ about an hour before breakfast ''


    “I was thinking of practicing in the courtyard but it was too early “ he frowned. “  I prefer not to cause more trouble since the boss left”


    “ things…. Got better. “ he said slowly knowing his sister didn’t agree she was happy even in the streets with Arlin.


    Maybe she imagined seeing him as a father figure, he knew the boss tried but too little too late doesn’t make you a good leader or a dad….


    He sighed he knew he had been harsh but things did get better and they needed a better life than what they had before. If it wasn’t for the debts they owed, these choices would be easier,


    “ don’t worry brother”


    “ I’m sure he show up today”


    “ I feel it and he will make things better, he always does. “ she said while smiling to reassure him.


    “ Heh, we got chores let’s focus on that.” He changed the topic


    “ I’ll practice later when the sun more up “


    “ ok “She slid out of bed, it was early but there were always things they could do to help that weren’t noisy so they focused on that.


    A few hours passed uneventfully like many days before breakfast was good and the change to warmer weather,


    made the day a pleasant one perfect for him to practice. He was playing for practice while his sister and a few grey robes enjoyed the tune,


    while they gossiped and listened, when in the distance the bishop showed up with a happier-than-normal demeanor holding what looked like a small rolled-up parchment.


    Rock stopped playing which alerted others most grey robes bid the bishop a good day and left leaving Rock and Ziala wondering what was to transpire.


    “ I’m sorry, I did not mean to ruin your day while relaxing with others.”


    “I merely wished to share the good news, “ he said watching the others leave. “


    “It’s fine, “Rock said we were just passing the time we finished things early today “.


    “ Aha! Always so committed  “ the bishop beams at them. Rock was wondering what made him so joyous…


    He was always happy but today more so. He unfurled the note “The text is quite bare “


    “but it’s still a good thing, it’s from the alchemist.” he handed them the open letter, still smiling waiting for them to read it.


    Rock took it slowly not sure he wanted to know and his sister peak from his side to read it also.


    The debts of your potions are paid in full any contracts verbal or otherwise are no longer bidding sign Tommy  Bloom.


    Rock was not sure how to take this he knew what it said kinda, but some of the words sounded weird yet he knew this was a golden ticket and was stunned  “How? “ he asked was it boss?


    “ I have been working with the guild master “the bishop stated then continued.


    “She has been tirelessly looking for ways to break the contract that should never been, ‘


    ‘ you are children, orphans no less.’


    ‘ tricked into a situation you had no control over.”


    “ so we worked to free you ! “ he exclaimed with joy


    “We weren’t tricked, “Ziala said in a low voice


    “Sorry, I meant no offense, “ bishop clarified


    “ I mean Tommy used your need for help against you,”


    “ you did nothing wrong. “


    “ did Arlin ? “ she asked still in a soft voice bishop deflated a bit at that then sighed  “No… he did not.”


    “ I do wish I could say we would done the same”


    “ but the choice he made was… misguided at best “


    Rock saw bishop wasn’t sure how to address the issue but he knew the church loved them,


    and set them free, gave them a home, and forgave all their sins. it was more than enough . “ it’s ok “ he said “


    “We understand, thank you for bringing this to us, “


    “we will keep working hard. “ the bishop had a sad smile at that


    “You owe us, nothing child, the gods let us save you,”


    “ so that’s what we are here to do. “ he looked away for a moment then went on “Even Arlin is one of our lost children he just likes to rebel. “


    Rock nodded at that he knew the boss wasn’t a bad person but for him, this was proof of who to choose…


    he looked at his sister to see if she agreed but she was staring in the distance waiting…


    it was telling Rock who she was choosing. He has to convince her the greater good is not following Arlin down his path of darkness.


    When they found a light in the church, Arlin wasn’t ready to lead they needed a real home.


    The bishop left them to their day giving them time to digest the new info he used that time to ensure his sister it was best they distance themselves from Arlin.


    Even if it was just not following him till they were older she was against it but knew he knew best, And if by a twist of fate or perhaps a test of their resolve.


    A shadow drifted into the room slowly filling the space and a voice they knew well spoke “ took me forever to master that trick, much harder than creating a cloud to hide in “It was Arlin.


    While traveling the streets he practiced the shadow cloak it was a weird feeling making himself a shadow,


    he was there and wasn’t he had a form but same time he felt like air, it was hard to move when he tried it.


    It was a slow-moving cloud it tended to look like a mist or rolling smoke but he never could hold it for long


    his mind couldn’t grasp not being a real body and always pulled him back but he was happy and he felt could do it long enough to surprise the kids.


    The church was business random grey and black robes wandering around he did not try to do his shadow trick while entering he was worried it cause a scene and not in a good way.


    He sighed he hated this place but it was home and it was where the kids were so it was just what he had to deal with.


    He did not see them in the rooms but soon found them in the garden area they both were wearing grey robes but easy enough to spot they seemed to be having a serious talk from what he could see…


    Probably trying to find a way to escape  He pulled the shadow to him easy enough and flowed to them.


    “ took me forever to master that trick, much harder than creating a cloud to hide in “ he smiled as he made his entrance.


    ziala ran up to him hugging him “Miss you too “ he said hugging her when he looked up he was surprised to see Rock so distant.


    “ you ok? “ he asked rock nodded but said nothing at first then pulled a small parchment from a side pocket and showed it to him to read.


    He moved away from ziala rubbing her head while taking the paper he read it over and was confused “How? “ he asked in a low voice


    he knew this was a good thing they were free they had no debts, was it because of him? No…  I never even went to the new dungeon so how?


    “Who gave you this? “ he asked


    “ bishop “Rock replied “


    “said he and the guild master worked to free us from debt. “Arlin felt defeated, as if a victory was taken from him


    before he even had a chance to earn the prize.


    “ I see. “ he said as much as he hated it this was a good thing they could be a family again.


    He hated living at the church, but he could earn money from the dungeon and they could move out, so this was a good thing he mused.


    “ So that means we can make new plans then ! “ he said excitedly it wasn’t how he wanted things to go.


    But this was a good thing to be happy about as he was smiling expecting them to cheer and agree.


    ziala stared at her brother waiting for him to speak and Rock still wasn’t happy.


    “ is… something wrong?” he wondered


    “  I know it’s been a little while, but I promise”


    “ It wasn’t fun “


    “I have been fighting monsters trying to keep my promise”


    “ I swear! “


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    “ Boss, we trust the church they helped us. “ rock said flatly no anger no hate but it still cut him deeply


    as if he had been thrown away…. “ Why, “ he asked meekly


    “You saw the note boss, “


    “you may help us with potions “


    “but they free us of that and more”


    “They gave us a home, a tribe to follow,”


    “We don’t have that anymore if we stay with you. “ Rock said flatly


    That hurt more than he thought it would he looked at ziala he saw she did not agree but he wasn’t going to divide them more.


    There was truth in his words even now he was randomly showing up months later and just assumed everything would stay the same.


    No…. He knew he lost them along the cold when all he could offer them was a life of rats


    rock was a smart kid he was keeping his sister safe and this was best.


    “ So…. This is goodbye? “ he hated saying it but had to know how far was this going to go.


    “ NO! “Ziala yelled and grabbed him she was crying now “ DON’T GO “ she yelled between tears.


    “ Easy, easy,”


    “ I’m still here “


    “It’s ok. We’re just talking. “ he looked around. A few people did look at the noise but saw it was a personal matter and showed them respect by keeping their distance.


    He held ziala she was warm… she was trembling… he knew at that point he would not abandon them.


    He needed them, even if Rock didn’t need him. His sister still had some love for him.


    Maybe they both did and Rock was trying to be like him and lead them to a better life.


    “ I was wrong forcing you to choose, “ he said


    “ the church…. Did save me, and now they saved you.”


    “So I promise”


    “ I’ll let you choose your own path and I’ll be here”


    “ When you need me ok? “ as he said that he saw Rock still stranded defiant but not out of hate but need.


    he was trying to be the mature adult and give them a better life he looked away while he watched “Sorry boss,”


    “ you don’t have to leave”


    “ but we do need to follow the church least for now… “


    Arlin finally composed  even though still hurting “ I agree”


    “ but this a happy time,”


    “ I still missed you two”


    “ you been practicing? Let me hear you play. “  with that rock slowly nodded got his flute and played it.


    It was a slow sad melody but pleasant all the same he had gotten good in the short time he sat and listened.


    With ziala in his lap playing with a doll that she had gotten when things settled a bit they chatted and caught up on their adventure


    the kids with their chores and learning about him fighting monsters the bishop showed up mid-way through their reunion but he kept it brief wishing arlin well


    a grey robe brought them food which they were thankful it was an emotionally draining day and one Arlin wasn’t sure when he get another.


    As he started to leave kissing ziala goodbye and waving at Rock wishing him well


    it was enough, this wasn’t goodbye, they still had something even if it wasn’t a family.


    He still had something he smiled and turned to shadows wanting to fade away like shadows into the dark, even tho it was still a sunny day he only felt the darkness, so he embraced it as much as he could


    Ziala wiped her eyes watching him go “Did we have to do it that way? “ she asked.


    “ yes” Rock replied


    “ We need a tribe zia, he wanted to lead”


    “ and we followed”


    “ but the church is a home and a tribe,”


    “ he not ready to be a leader”


    “ can’t he be family? “


    “ We don’t need more family,”


    “We need a home. “


    “He can be a boss again when he finds his way”


    “ till then this is best.”


    “ Ok “ she replied in a low voice she still loved them both as a family she held her doll closer she would find a way


    he was always hunting monsters she wasn’t brave enough to fight them but maybe she could get a job working near him


    and help him. that way this wasn’t goodbye there be a new tomorrow and will be together then.  Rock played his flute and she listened while planning for new days,


    He finally made it back to the guild hall, he was tired today was supposed to be a good day a fresh start reuniting with the kids


    but it seemed they felt different, well least Rock did his sister still believe in him he wondered where he went wrong was he too forceful?


    Maybe he did push his truths as the perfect ideal he hated the church and the life they gave didn’t make the life they offered the kids bad….


    “ Do you know if the guild master is in ? “ a random voice broke his inner musing he looked over to see a tall male fox kin holding a backpack he wasn’t sure why he was asking him instead of just going inside….


    “ Couldn’t tell ya, the door right there to check tho.” The man seem surprised by that.


    “Right, my apologies.”


    “ I thought I seen you before with her “


    “so I assumed you know her whereabouts. “ he started to shift his pack and proceed inside.


    “ Wait “ the man stopped to look at that “ I’m just tired it’s been a long day “


    “ Um… mister, I don’t recognize you”


    “ but I do travel with her she… trains me “ he finished saying hesitantly. The man started for a minute then smiled.


    “ I understand, “


    “I have a sister who takes most of my time myself “


    “but I am here on business.”


    “ A  new young alchemist in my town is working on potions and poisons,”


    “ that work on weapons.”


    “ I already have clients with the hunters”


    “ I tried the alchemist here but he was dismissive”


    “ so my last stop is here before I will be finishing my trip and heading home.”


    Arlin watched the man not sure how to handle that load of info but the man was trying so the least he could do would be the same.


    “Let’s go inside, I’m sure you can sell something “They entered the guild hall easily enough Rosa was still at the counter.


    It was slower now not many people around terry was also nearby writing in a ledger so he focused on him “ TERRY,”


    “ We got someone wanting to sell supplies”


    “Can you help him?”


    “ Been a long day and I need a nap “ Terry hearing his name called looked and saw him he smiled and nodded.


    “ Of course, your mom probably would had me do it anyway “Arlin cringed at that he knew she was technically his mother but hated being reminded of that


    he didn’t wait to see how it played out and left for his room to turn into a shadow to avoid talking.


    Nebo watched the boy turn to shadow mist and float away while interesting it wasn’t anything he hadn’t seen before and he was used to being dismissed as a merchant.


    Everyone wanted your attention till they didn’t. Usually, after they made their money off you or were not interested in what you were selling he mused a sigh came from the distance


    he looked and saw a bearkin watching the stairs then looked upon him with a sad face.


    “He usually not like that probably just a long day, “ she said while giving him a pitying look.


    “It’s fine. “ he replied “ I’m here to do business with the guild master anyway”


    “ he was merely a guide”


    “ well I was already here I just used him for help, she is here? “ he never got an answer to that and was wondering.


    “ No, I’m afraid she had business at the church I think today she left early so not sure if she’s still there “ the male human replied I assumed was Trevor.


    “ Can I tell you? Or is it a bad time?” he wasn’t sure


    “ I can try a later date. “ this was more a side business to help Wolf than really needing to sell…


    “ Let me see what you have,  if anything good Im sure the guild master will be interested “ Trevor spoke before They left into a side room toward the back it was a storage turn office


    as it was crammed with scroll ledgers and random books beyond a small desk and two chairs there was not much space


    a small mage lamp was the only thing to keep it with light so it felt a bit oppressive.


    “ Sorry, I tend to only write here not really business, the guild main office is much nicer, and for that. “ Trevor said apologetically


    he nodded to that and pulled off his pack setting in the best he could to the side “ Trevor right?”


    “ The kid motioned the name, but I’m just assuming that is you “


    “ O, how rude ! “ he replied “She skin me alive knowing I neglected proper protocol,”


    “ Yes, I’m Trevor. I’ve been working for nearly fifteen years and you are? “


    “ Nebo “ he extended his hand in a formal greeting not many chose to do it but safer than sorry Trevor looked at the hand at first then smiled and shook it.


    “ Did not think beast kin followed many human customs, especially handshakes? He asked mused.


    “ Most don’t,”


    “But I am a merchant by trade, and the tribe wanted me to know how best to handle humans for my sister’s sake “ Trevor smiled at that and waited for the wares. Nebo placed them out for him to inspect.


    There were the berry juices, herb spices,  potions, and poisons he knew some of it was pointless to show


    but he wanted to be thorough. Trevor knew by sight the antidote he tried the berry juice too sweet for his liking but when Nebo explained adding a mix to help wake or sleep he got much more focused.


    “ Does it have to go in the berry drink? “ he asked


    “No” it can be applied to any mix “


    “the berry was just something new he made” Trevor nodded at that and focused on the poisons with more of a kin eye.


    “ I have a low-level water magic, “Trevor said “Let me heal most poisons”


    “Are they safe to touch?”


    “ Or were they too toxic to live from? “ nebo was surprised by the question but replied


    “they were safe in the sense they won’t kill just disable. “With that shockingly Trevor unhesitatingly drank the spider venom poison. Nebo panicked and grabbed an antidote but Trevor held up a hand stalling him instead and waited for the effect to take effect.


    Nebo watched as his calm demeanor shifted to discomfort and mild shock but before he could move to assist  despite the man’s earlier protest he shivered and spoke


    “ got a kick,”


    “ like to take it time too.”


    “dangerous one that one but easy enough to cure”


    “ with a bit of water magic, I can see it working well on monsters. “


    Nebo wasn’t sure how to respond to that he was impressed he always assumed water magic was more attack orientated


    but guessed it was more versatile than he knew “The other is a paralyze, not as strong with random effect”


    “ but the main effect does hit much harder “


    Trevor nodded and touched the paste and like before inserted it in his mouth with indifference


    he started at Nebo after that not moving then his eyes budged and he just sorta flopped forward.


    In a panic he raised him up and poured a potion in his mouth he wasn’t sure what happened he knew Trevor was not dying but it was odd how he cured other effects and lost to this one.


    After a moment he coughed and shook his head “Thank you Nebo,”


    “THAT, is something that has potential, “ Trevor said with gusto


    Nebo was confused  and his face showed it . “ it was the way it paralyzes,”


    “ slows the blood “


    “I could heal it in time but it would be much harder”


    “ We tested them also”


    “ I oversaw some of the tests myself after I learned of the effect”


    “ We needed to see worst case how long could the effect last “ he cringed a bit remembering “The poison was odd, it hit hard but faded quickly”


    “The highest dose took me down for a minute or so”


    “ more painful than anything, the paralyze was more interesting”


    “ as you saw,”


    “It lasted over  five minutes in the drink form test before we cured it “


    “ The paste version  on the skin is numb for over an hour even in a low dosage .”


    “it can be used to numb pain”


    “ or keep prey and predators down to finish them off.”


    Trevor nodded “Both are worth buying same with the wake powder and sleep powder”


    “ do you know if the alchemist stalks any of these things in case we run low?” He asked


    “ He was a bit dismissive when I tried,”


    “ said they weren’t worth the cost to pursue vs higher gold-making things “ Trevor frowns at that.


    “ So they’re easy to make I assume? Or  He would jump all over it otherwise”


    “ Extremely easy “Nebo replied he knew Wolf cared more about helping than profit so he didn’t mind sharing info.


    “ the sleep and wake powders are just grinding and mix,”


    “ same with the paralyze into a paste,”


    “ the spider poison is also simple with mixing it with water “ Trevor nodded they did have staff who dabbled in alchemy so they could run their own supplies.


    “ Not to be rude but why give me that info for free? “ he trusted Nebo but it seemed a little too nice and wanted to know the angle.


    “ My brother is an alchemist who wishes to help where he can”


    “Money is a side gain, not his end goal.” Trevor nodded, and that made sense. Beastkin tended to value helping all gain vs. themselves.


    “ There must be something we can do for your generosity. Even if I buy your supplies here now we won’t ever have a need again, no? “ Trevor wanted to give back for this kindness.


    “ It’s fine, I’m sure later in life there be something we need and you be there. “ Trevor did not like that answer as it still felt like him cheating and gaining with no effort.


    Nebo noticed so he decided to add more to his thoughts “We have a dungeon forming soon within a year or two,”


    “I’d rather we have a positive working relationship when that does come. “


    Trevor finally agreed that long-term benefits could happen and nobody was fleecing anyone sharing knowledge“Thank you Nebo, “


    “I guess I’m too used to the greed of our current alchemist it surprised me of your generosity.”


    The meeting wrapped up with Rosa bringing tea for them both they enjoyed causal talk for a bit


    before Nebo felt it was best he leave and find an inn to eat and call it a night  as he left Trevor met with Rosa telling her the good news and windfall


    “A dungeon in the town of Lake Wood? My husband started an inn there! “ Rosa said amused


    Trevor nodded and smiled rosa did mention she had a husband and a small child but he did not know they were separated.


    “ You mentioned your family before, but I thought you all were in the city? “


    “Too much competition, not enough land to support another inn in the crowded city “ she replied


    “ so it was easier to follow the new location and settle there, we did not have enough money saved to support the building”


    “ and start the business so I stayed with the cub”


    “‘I’m helping make some money while things settle”


    “I got used to working here and although were not hurt for cash”


    “ It’s not enough for me to leave just yet,”


    “But if a new branch just so happens to open in the same location?”


    she smiled saying that while watching him he nodded at first not catching on then it hit him.


    “ O, O yes! You could go! “ noticing what she meant “Very wise “ he mused” I’ll make sure to mention to the guild mistress.”


    “ You don’t mind me wanting to go?”


    “ you probably got rights to it you have been working here longer than me,” she asked with concern as if he would take it back.


    He waved his hand “No, I’m happy here”


    “ born and raised”


    “ never understood everyone’s desire to move around”


    “ or leave and the woods?”


    “ Gods, no! They don’t even have walls! Last I heard. “


    “Indeed, they don’t she replied. “The hunter patrol, but the land is mostly safe “


    “the kingdom keeps the worst away Im sure”


    “ A time may come  needing walls but for now everyone has been happy.” He nodded


    And assure her when the matter came to pass she would be with her husband. And if by magic a new crowd showed up with a successful hunt it was once again time to work.


    It was later than she planned the sun was already setting but she had a lot of running around to do, she really wanted to stop and smoke her pipe


    she hated being crowded or dealing with people the smoke always calmed her and made it easier but now wasn’t the time.


    She wanted to share the good news of clearing her son’s debt he will be so happy she knew he was suffering from a lot of stress.


    Trying to raise those two orphaned kids and clear a debt he got tricked into… was too much, it was why she had to make sure she was there for him he needed to know he wasn’t alone like he feared.


    She made it to the guild hall but did not want to deal with people so turn to Mist and entered to scout before they knew she was there it was clear.


    A surprise to her as people tended to come randomly it seemed Rosa left for the night but Trevor was still there so she reformed to greet him “How was today any trouble? " Trevor looked up surprised but only mildly he was used to her doing things like this.’


    “ Easy day my lady. We did have guests that sold us interesting things but beyond that, it was a normal day. “ she was curious about what he meant by that but did not press she was more interested in her son.


    “ My son? Is he here? “


    “ Aha yes, think earlier mid-day? Forget the time sorry”


    “ he went to bed early wanting to rest “That was odd he was looking forward to today with those kids.


    “ Thank you, Trevor, you know the drill”


    “ I don’t wish to be bothered unless necessary,”


    “ I’m going to visit my son for a bit and turn in myself. “ he bid her goodnight and promised to discuss the deal of the sales later when she was ready.


    As she made her way to Arlin’s room flowing like mist she could see the light on so he was awake that was good she knocked gently waiting for a response.


    “ What do you want “ was the reply beyond the door and she smiled she always liked his bluntness.


    “ It’s your mother, may I enter “She waited for the reply ready to open the door, and was surprised when there were no words.


    Why wasn’t he saying come in? She was about to ask was everything ok when the door pulled open


    she saw him lying on the bed facing away a small shadow fading from the door she was amused that he was getting better with control,


    but she wasn’t sure why he was upset maybe he didn’t know the good news and was depressed about the debt.


    “ I have good ne–” she started.


    “ I already know, their no more debt…  “Why wasn’t he happy about that? How did he know?


    With little thought she guessed the letter must went to the church first she was busy today so she was delayed and well she wanted it to be a nice surprise.


    “ That not a good thing?”


    “ I don’t understand I thought you be happy. “


    “ Everything I worked for is a lie. “ he replied “and the kids I wanted to help… “


    “wanted as a family,”


    “ chose the church, not me. “ that was a bit much for her to take in she didn’t understand.


    The church was very loving and gave to all why was it a bad thing? Why was he still trying to run away even now…


    “They are young and need the church, “


    “you still can be there when their older how is that a bad thing? “ she wanted to smoke but wasn’t going to be rude and do it in his room he tended to not like it.


    “ Easy for you to say”


    “ You waited years before you wanted me”


    “ so why should I care if they do the same? “That stung her a bit and hurt more than she thought it would she never abandoned him like he thought…


    She just wasn’t …. Their. She knew what he was feeling she was feeling it now.


    Wanting his attention. The rejection. It hurt. She sat on the edge of the bed beside him.


    “ I know how you feel and you’re not wrong “


    “We can’t change what led up to this”


    “ but I can be there for you now”


    “ as your mom”


    “ I promise I’ll help however I can” he turned to her with those words a sad look in his eyes and grabbed her waste not saying anything


    so she wept for him instead for she knew he was trying too hard to be strong.


    “ it ok,”


    “ I’m here”


    “ I promise, we will work these things out, “


    “you made it this far alone my son.”


    “ but you don’t need to anymore,”


    “I’ll keep training you to face them all alone”


    “ so you never have to fear the darkness.”


    “ You will be the darkness they fear” he laughed at in her lap.


    “ You only know how beat me near to death”


    “ and let the monsters almost kill me”


    “ not sure. I can be darkness next to that “She gently patted his cheek in retort and started to stroke his head and stroke his hair before wishing she could smoke once more.


    “ You know I’m not perfect”


    “ and neither are you”


    “That’s why I know they will come back”


    “and respect the effort you tried for them”


    “ just got get their son, I promise “More nervous and trying to calm herself she hum a light tune to pass the time.


    Nobody talked for a while but a low voice spoke she swore she heard it but was not repeated and she dared not ask.


    “ Thanks mom… “


    She hummed threw the night till she was sure he was asleep and carried him with shadows properly into bed she was stiff and cranky, not smoking most of the day but she was also a very proud mom.