Gen Four- Chapter Fourteen

After I flipped the newspaper to the next page, I took the pause in my reading to quickly rub my fingers together for warmth. Autumn now dominated the season, barely permitting summer's heat to remain. The clothes Coral bought kept most of me comfortable, but it was getting to the point where the gloves might have to start coming out.

If I had any gloves.

I hadn't found any more babysitting working despite Leo getting the small victory he did for me. He took the last check from Mr. and Mrs. Glaze to the bank to confirm with them it was fraudulent. He declined starting an investigation when they asked, choosing to leave any actions regarding that to the bank, but they were able to give him a statement confirming the false payment. Leo contacted the babysitting website with that proof and a screenshot of the terrible review left for me. Both the Glaze's profile and the bad review vanished within the day. Still, despite that, I remained too young for other parents to want to take a chance on me.

     "Do you really want me to read this article, Mr. Basalt? It's another negative story." I questioned to the old man sitting next to me.

With my ability to pay rent growing abysmal, Pieter gave up his job reading the newspaper to Mr. Basalt each morning to me.

     "It's fine, dear. Good or bad, it is better to know. People may say that ignorance is bliss, but it is not to me."

I couldn't say if I agreed. I mean, a large part of why I quietly hated reading to Mr. Basalt was because of my struggle wondering if it was right for me to wish to go back to my ignorance. That peaceful life called to me more each day. While I liked Mr. Basalt himself, he did want me to read each article no matter the content. The news that focused on sensationalizing the negative in the world didn't exactly cheer me up. However, read I did that article of a gas station being robbed. Of a female employee being held against the counter while having a gun pointed at her head. Maybe it was better that I knew so I wouldn't go near that area for the time being. Maybe it was better that I saw that security footage picture so I could help spot the man and bring him to justice. It just didn't feel better.

     "It's such a beautiful day, isn't it?" Mr. Basalt took a deep breath after I finished a different article of a dog park opening soon.

I glanced around. All I'd taken from the trees morphing to their leaves of flame was the impending darkness and frigidity of winter. A bad omen.

     "It is." I plastered a big smile on my face.

I announced it was time for me to head to school when Mr. Basalt and I were halfway through the obituaries. He liked having those read too even with him getting close to those people in age. He was 'one more person to remember and care about their lives', he said. I just gladly took the five dollars offered. That gave me at least a solid thirty-five dollars a week with the remaining fifteen coming from other sources. Scouring the city for spare change and checking every candy machine and the like for missed quarters usually got me another five. From there, I'd been covered by the other members living at the warehouse. Most often by the one who found me sulking against the fence staring deadpan at the ocean.

    "The forlorn hero again today?" he teased lovingly, poking my cheek and joining in trying to understand the horizon before us.

     "I don't like reading the sad stories in the newspaper. I don't want winter to come. Cinnamon keeps trying to steal my scarf. Jam refuses to stop spitting on the ground." I held up my hands with a pout. "And my hands are freezing."

     "Oh," Gravel chuckled. "Well, for right now I can help with the last one."

He took my tiny, icy fingers in his large, warm palms to gently rub them together, huffing on them a few times until the bitter sting left.

     "Thanks." I managed something of a small smile.

     "Perhaps this will help more? I found it this morning at work."

He took from his back pocket a pencil. Brand new and unsharpened, it was decorated with holographic foil and pictures of koalamb in various cute poses. I squealed as I took it, keeping it tight in my clutches as I jumped to wrap my arms around Gravel's shoulders and bend him down in a hug.

     "It came in a packet of five. The others have different Merge Monsters on them. You can have them if you want, but I figured that one would be the big winner for you," Gravel laughed again.

     "Thank you! I love it so much!"

A cheap pencil was monetarily nothing compared to the fancy box sets and limited edition figurines Dad and Grandpa used to buy. However, to me now, this pencil was worth just as much. I squeezed Gravel tighter and only flinched lightly at his sudden kiss upon my cheek.

     "Ah, sorry. I got swept up in the moment. That was inappropriate," he apologized and drew back instantly.

     "No, it's okay. I don't mind," I beamed.

We talked, cheering me up more, until the baying wind stiffened my hands again. Gravel and I went inside to huddle around the one space heater brought to warm up the balcony. The other came. The others went. I noticed little of the passing time until Gravel excused himself to go run some quick errands for himself. While I almost asked to come, it was better for me to use the afternoon to get what money I could. Tulip, unfortunately, stood at the bottom of the stairs. I expected her to stop and bother me but was stunned quiet with what she did say.

     "Hey," she called, ruining that slim chance of me simply being able to walk by.
     "Yeah?" I asked. Due to a confusing lack of malice in her tone, I was actually curious as to her intent.
     "You and Gravel..."
     "Yeah?" I repeated.
     "You two have gotten close. He's really affectionate with you."

Was there supposed to be a question in this somewhere?

     "What of it?" I wondered.
     "I..." Tulip hesitated.

She opened her mouth a second time, found not even a stutter to say, pursed her lips, turned on her heel, and left. I watched her go and shook my head.

Whatever.

I didn't make it into the city to look for coins though. No sooner did I step outside the door did Skylar rush me as a blue blur.

     "Can I help you?" I asked curiously.
    "Hey, Cinnamon. I was wondering...if you might want to come with me?" Skylar put the request forth looking simultaneously nervous and excited out of his mind.
     "Where to?" I tried not to giggle at his weird state.
     "Not far. Just to the little lake nearby."
     "Do you need me to do something?"
     "No. I-I was just hoping me would hang out. Skip rocks or something," he began to mumble.

This was new, but I didn't dislike it. I agreed and let him lead me into the swampier part of Aspen Harbor. The walk was calm and quiet, and now that I was familiar with the area the constant low-lying fog wrapped around softly. Skylar and I skipped rocks and chatted about nonsense until an opportune moment appeared for him to build up to a goal that had been on his mind.

     "This place is pretty. It's like it's the entrance to another realm," I unintentionally started the conversation.
     "I think so too! This place is a favorite of mine. I imagine it as a doorway to Tir na nOg."
     "Tir na nOg?"
    "You might know it as Mag Mell. It's the Celtic Otherworld. The supernatural land of youth, joy, and fae. That sort of thing."
   "Oh, okay." I took a deeper view of the playful pond and lush grass and trees. "You're right. I can imagine jumping into the water and ending up somewhere else."

Skylar turned to me.

     "Do you like those kind of stories?"
     "It sounds like you do," I pointed out knowingly.
     "I...do," he admitted. "My dad hated that I did though. Anything that wasn't, um, I don't know how to put it. A boy thing. Football. Rough housing. That sort of stuff. Anything that wasn't like that he demanded I have nothing to do with. Mom never helped when he got really bad with his...disagreement, so I had to keep anything he didn't approve of extremely quiet."
     "I'm sorry to hear that. You should be able to like whatever you like."
    "Thanks. I knew you would think that way. It's why I wanted to talk to you. I have this idea, and you're the only one who can help."
     "Not even Pieter or Jam?"
     "They'd probably just tease me too much about it. Not that they'd be mean about it like my dad, I don't think, but I don't want friendly teasing regardless."
     "Was is it you do want?"
    "There are sites where people can pay you money each month if they like the stuff you make. I...I have this idea for a story involving the Otherworld and fae. Coral said she should be able to make an account on one of those sites and help me post chapters. The thing is, I have the idea and the knowledge about the content, but I'm not a very good writer. You seem like you would be good at it though with how well you can read."
     "I can read and comprehend at a high level, but I never did too much writing outside of school assignments. But, this sounds fun," I grinned. "I'd like to give it a go."
    "Great!" Skylar beamed. "I really just hope people want to read the story, but any money we might get we could each have half of."
     "That's fine. Any penny more I can get without having to pick up loose change is a win for me."

Forget a penny. My agreement might as well have been an offer of a free million dollars to Skylar. He lit up like I'd never seen him before and urged me to follow him back to the warehouse. I could hardly keep up as we sped to the one bedroom with the tub. Someone sitting at the desk was the only thing that slowed Skylar down and permitted my lungs a chance to breath.

     "Oh, hey, Cori. It's been a bit," Skylar said.
     "Almost two weeks I think now," Coriander nodded along with a smile.

Indeed. He hadn't been around for those almost weeks. Apparently, this was around the upper limit of how long he hadn't been around before, so everyone else was starting to wonder if he wasn't coming back.

     "Mom and dad finally allowed my sister to move in with her boyfriend. They don't like it, but they accepted that despite dropping out of college and making some...questionable life choices that she is an adult. Since my sister is a huge reason why the fighting happened, her absence has really made things peaceful like they used to be. I..." Coriander shrugged. "I think for the time being I don't have a reason to stay here. I mostly came today just because I wanted to pop by and see everyone. I won't be staying the night."
     "That's good though. I'm glad things got better," I said.
    "I'm disappointed though. We want to work on a story to post online and maybe make some money. I hoped you could tutor me," Skylar frowned.
    "How about this? I'll pop here and there to teach you what I can about whatever subject you'd like. This place might be a safe roof to sleep under, but it really doesn't do anything about the fact that the rest of you are all massively missing out on an education."

My mood dropped, not having pondered that much. Mr. Mint taught above average content to me, so I hadn't worried until now about not going to school. Each day that passed though brought me closer and closer to being left in the dust by my peers.

Skylar jumped at the chance, and I hoped whatever lessons Coriander taught would help me too. We left him to his homework for the moment. Skylar got the notes for the story he'd written and kept inside the desk drawer before leaving for the library. Pieter tagged along. A teasing look and mouth opened wide to spew out nonsense got stopped by my foot stamped on his when Skylar walked in front describing our goal. Skylar found us a quieter corner at the library where we wouldn't disturb others with our talking and sat me down to get right to it.

     "So which way do you want the character to enter the Otherworld? You've listed the various ways folklore says it can happen. All are interesting."
    "We can pick that later. The first thing I want to make better notes for is about the first meeting with an aos si."
    "Well, I'm doing the writing. We need to define the main character first. We haven't even picked if it's a girl or a boy yet, and don't get me started on the name. Picking the way the character gets into this other realm is really important as well. Is it accidental? Intentional? What are their goals and motivations? Do they like that they found a way into this new place, or do they want to go home? Also, having them enter through an ancient burial mound could put a darker spin on the tale than falling through a lake or crossing a wall of fog."
    "Ohhh," Skylar remarked, amazed. "That's true. You're super smart, Cinnamon! I think I want to go with the wall of fog. There's this book of natural phenomena I read before. Let me get a book of baby names too. I'll be right back!"

And there he went again. Pieter scoffed an amused laugh.

     "I've never seen him like this."
     "It's cute."
     "You're definitely going to be doing way more than half the work though, if this beginning is a sign."
     "I don't mind. Like Skylar, I'm not imagining this will get much money if any. We're doing it because we want to. This truly is the first time I'm excited to write something more than my Christmas list."
     "Haha, wow. That's impressive! I haven't found a project that exciting yet."

I recommended he consider a story to write of his own, and Pieter immediately stepped away to putter about and throw that idea away. Not the kind of work for him, clearly. However, he soon returned where I delved deeply enough into fleshing out what  could of Skylar's notes to ignore him. Until he began stroking my hair, that is.

     "What are you doing?" I asked, still typing.
     "Fixing the loose strands."
     "I mean, thank you, but..."
     "What? So Gravel can treat you like a teddy bear yet I can't help a dear friend look beautiful?" Pieter teased.
     "Am I not beautiful enough already?" I joked back, raising an eyebrow.
     "Perhaps, but you should never settle for the chance of being second best."
     "Fine. Continue," I requested with dramatic pomp.

Pieter fixing my hair actually felt rather nice.

He went beyond just touching up the loose strands too. Pieter undid my braids to twist them fresh, effectively getting rid of the damage the cold wind had done. He was surprisingly deft with his technique and tied the bows expertly too. I joked on how he should grow his hair out as well so we could match. That started a conversation that did have one patron shush us. We quieted, Pieter offered a few ideas for the story, and by the time we finished the third page we gave each other a look. Skylar was taking a long time.

     "He's probably coming back with a large stack of stuff that distracted him. You'll have─ shit."
     "I'll have shit?" I frowned.
     "No, no. Come here. Hurry."

I scurried over. From the window, we had the perfect vantage to see Skylar trapped by the presence of two police officers with the one pink librarian and a brown, male one standing closer to the entrance watching whatever conversation was going on.

     "Do you think he did something bad that made them call the police?" I whispered, shuffling to the side so only my head was visible if one of the officers looked this way.
     "I doubt it. C'mon."

Hand-in-hand, Pieter and I hurried to the lower level as nonchalantly as possible to sneak underneath the little bridge entrance on the main floor. We could hear the last of the conversation from there.

     "I'm not going back! You think if it was a good place to be, I'd have run away!?" Skylar chided the officers.
     "I'm sorry for whatever you went through, but your mother has been madly looking for you the past year and a half. She wants you home very much," the female officer comforted.
     "Pfft. She never did anything to help me before. I'm sure the search is just for show."
   "Hear us out. You said many of the problems were because of your dad? We've been told your mother divorced him and he moved to another state. Your mother is willing to fight to get what justice she can once you're home to confirm what happened. We're not saying she didn't make her own condemnable choices, but I'm sure if you give her one more inch of faith you'll find a life much more peaceful than how you've been survival up until now," the male officer explained.
     "I'm just fine where I'm at," Skylar mumbled.
     "You will have to come with us," the female pressed.

More words were exchanged, but what option did Skylar have? There was nowhere to go. The officers guided him to their cruiser, leaving the librarians to shuffle back inside mumbling sympathies and an answer to what happened. The man recognized Skylar from a picture on a Missing Children website.

     "We should go?" Pieter whispered, tugging my hand.
     "Isn't there anything we can do?"
    "The rules are clear. You get caught, you're on your own. What can we do anyway? They just drove him off to the station. Unless you think you can superhero dash to catch up to them and whisk him away once they let him out of the car, we're powerless."
     "I guess we are..."
    "Seriously, we should get moving. The librarians saw us come in together. They're probably searching us out right now to tell us what happened to our friend. We don't want them to see you."
     "...Okay. Will you hold onto this?"

I handed him Skylar's little notebook. Pieter carefully tucked it in his pocket.

Everything went numb for me. My hand only stayed in Pieter's because his grip remained firm. I saw nothing but concrete bleed into more concrete as the city sidewalks passed, for I couldn't lift my head.

     "It's so sad," I sniffled. "It feels like when everything began to break the first time. People started to leave, and then it got bad. Cori won't really be coming anymore. Now Skylar has to go back home when he doesn't want to. Leo and Coral..."
   "They've been spending a lot more time at their apartment than normal, even for years past, yeah," Pieter nodded along. "I'm sure they are growing weary of being our support. They said it though that they won't just leave until someone else can take their place, remember? About Cori and Skylar, it is sad. It's just...kinda how things work here. People come and go rather frequently. Someone wants to go home, they get found by the police, they want to strike off on their own. It's rare for anyone to stay more than a year."
     "Mmm," I mumbled, uncertain. "I hope the officers were right and Skylar's mom will take care of him properly now."
     "I think she will," Pieter encouraged.

We walked a lot more returning to our silence. The city fading away and nature surrounding us finally had me seeing Pieter was leading us in the opposite direction of the warehouse.

     "Where are we going?"
    "We shouldn't go to the warehouse right now. It's a rare chance, but Skylar might accidentally let it slip that that's where he's been staying. The rest of you will be in trouble if the police not on our side swarm the place."
    "Why do you keep speaking like that? You said it before─ that the librarians shouldn't see me. Shouldn't it have been they shouldn't see us? You're a runaway too."
     "But I'm not."

At that, Pieter stopped us before a two-story brown house with green roof.

The lights were all off when we stepped inside. However, the television played away some noire cop drama as a man sat on the couch...uh, watching? He sat slouched with his head in his hands, several beer cans on the floor, seemingly dead to the world.

     "Hey, Dad," Pieter spoke loudly to him. "This is my friend, Cinnamon. We're going to be staying the night, okay?"

Mr. Clay slowly raised his head as if his skull weighed fifty pounds. His dull gray eyes glanced in our general direction before he nodded once and dropped his head back down into his palms.

     "Um, hello. It's nice to meet you," I greeted.

There was no response, and Pieter shrugged.

     "You can bother, but there's not much point. Dad's harmless though. You mind getting the lights? I'm going to see if I can get Leo or Coral on the phone to let them know about Skylar."
     "O-Okay."

The switch by the kitchen counter turned on most of the room. The corner by Mr. Clay remained dark. I hesitated on turning those ones on too, so I quietly picked up the beer cans, rinsed them out, and put them in the recycling bin. Mr. Clay might have been an actual clay statue from how he showed no signs of caring for my presence.

     "You didn't have to do that, but thanks," Pieter said when he returned from the other room. He motioned us to sit at the small dining table. "Coral picked up. She said she would make sure to stop by the warehouse soon and see if she can contact our officers if any problems come up. Skylar is smart though. I do doubt he'll give away the warehouse."
     "That's good," I said slowly before glancing around. "But, what's all this?"
     "Dad's a zombie. Has been since my mom and him divorced after my little brother died."
     "Oh no...I'm so sorry. I didn't know."
    "Because I didn't say anything. Boulder died before he turned two. Mom claimed the devastation was what caused her to ask for a divorce, but who knows how that logic works for her then wanting nothing to do with me. I haven't seen or heard from her since she left. Dad quickly became that." Pieter motioned to Mr. Clay. "He goes to work, comes home and watches television while drinking, and usually ends up sleeping on the couch. He lets me do whatever I want without complaining about anything. He switched me to homeschooling in an instant. He knows I stay at the warehouse, and so hasn't reported me as missing. Should the police catch me, they'll just bring me here for me to go about my way again. Dad even keeps a jar of money for me to come and take whenever I need it. That's how I paid off the debt and covered your first weeks."
     "Oh. And your dad is really like this all the time?" I turned in my seat to see Mr. Clay hadn't moved a single inch.
     "Yes. It's why I like staying at the warehouse in the first place. I come here a few times a week to make sure he's still breathing though. It's where I came that first day when I went off. Dad was sick, so I had to shove some medicine down his throat. Most of the others don't know about all this, which is why I refused to say the truth."
     "Why don't you say anything?"
     "...Reasons," Pieter mumbled.

I didn't push to hear the reasons. Pieter showed off the kitchen that was surprisingly well stocked asking what I wanted to eat. His face fell when I eagerly choose a salad. I laughed, made the meal as Grandpa used to do, and managed to get a reluctant admittance from Pieter that it wasn't bad. He did end up making the three of us each a hamburger that I ate with gusto too. It was the most balanced food I'd had in a long time. Pieter said afterwards we could kick his dad off the television if I wanted to watch something, but I asked for a tour of the house. Pieter showed me his room, undecorated with merely a bed, nightstand, and dresser half-filled with spare clothes. We didn't stay long in what had been Boulder's room. There was a bathroom on both floors, an office upstairs, and then the master bedroom. Pieter and I spent most of the afternoon playing games on the computer when he put forth a highly enticing offer.

     "Really? It's okay?" I asked to confirm.
     "Sure. I'd rather not have you go to the library to use a computer if the librarians are being more active about missing kids. You're welcome to come here and use this whenever you want."
     "Thanks! I don't want to steal Skylar's story, but maybe I could make up one of my own. I can also study so I don't get too far behind."
     "Bleg, school." Pieter stuck out his tongue.
     "You should study too."
     "I'm already a lost cause."
     "You'll regret not trying later," I warned.
     "Then I'll regret it later and learn my lesson," Pieter smiled impishly.

I rolled my eyes at him, and he distracted me from the conversation by taking me outside.

     "My favorite place is the edge of the ridge. The view is great. Let's race to─"

As soon as he said those words, he sped off. Unfortunately for the cheater, my legs sprung to action on their own where I overtook him in a second. I stood on the rock before he could fully process what had happened.

     "That was stupid of me. I should have known," he laughed.
     "You're right though. This view is beautiful," I gushed.

Unlike when Mr. Basalt asked me the same this very morning, my words were genuine now.

The emerald of the pines contrasted in harmony with the burning oranges of the autumn leaves. The soft hues hidden amongst the gray rocks, the blending blues of the ocean and sky, and the clear touch of the wind spun my chest with merriment despite everything. Holding my hands together behind my back, I inhaled until my lungs could take no more.

     "Truly. It is beautiful."

I spun around. Pieter, who inched closer slowly due to defeat, halted. His stare on me was strange, but how it was strange I couldn't say.

     "What?"
     "Just...nothing."
   "Why do people ever think that anyone believes them when they say 'nothing.' It only makes it more clear there's something on their mind."
     "You've said 'nothing' before too," Pieter pouted out with a pout.
     "Does it invalidate the question?"
     "I-I was just going to say the...the view is beautiful too!"
     "Then why didn't you?"
     "More reasons!"

Pieter began shuffling down the shallower western side of the ridge.

Reasons, huh? Well, before the current day became the new one I found out a few of them. Pieter showed me around the area where he used money gotten from what his dad provided to get us snacks and spend time in the small arcade. Then we returned to play more computer games and run around outside. Pieter provided a t-shirt and shorts for me to wear to bed. First, however, I enjoyed the longest shower in the world. I pondered if Pieter and Mr. Clay wouldn't mind if I came here to bathe as well as use the computer. Anyway, true to routine, Mr. Clay collapsed for his nighttime snooze on the couch. His heavy breathing and thick snores reduced my guilt at slipping into his bed for the night. I only slept for an hour or two when the door opening and footsteps padding over woke me.

     "Pieter, what'sit?" I slurred sluggishly, struggling to both wake up and sit up. Somehow, I managed to lean far enough to turn on the lamp. Pieter stood before me sniffling with light tears rolling down his cheeks.
     "I...I..." Pieter wiped his nose with his sleeve. "I miss Skylar. I'm tired of people leaving. I really, really, really hate this house. It's just a reminder of how Mom doesn't care, how Dad doesn't really care, how lonely I am. Before you hugged me, I can't even remember the last time someone treated me like that. I wish you hadn't though, because I feel empty and cold when you let go."
     "You're touched starved," I noted softly.
     "What?"
     "It's a thing. We're wired as social animals, and touch is an important part of that. A lack can otherwise lead to how you feel. So," I patted the other side of the bed. "Join me."

Pieter didn't protest. He hurriedly joined me under the covers. As soon as I turned off the light and rolled over, he held my hand before clutching my whole arm to his chest. While a little uncomfortable, I didn't mind. Pieter's tears also soon stopped.

     "Thanks," he whispered.
     I smiled. "Anytime."

Honestly, I was a little the same. Gravel hugging me had helped, but when Pieter got even cuddlier and we fell asleep embracing I discovered how much I missed a kind touch too. Pieter and I likely would have slept all morning had Mr. Clay not knocked on the door needing to get his clothes to change. Those hours weren't too bad though. I made fresh cinnamon pancakes for breakfast with scores of freshly cut fruit and cream. Pieter and I watched television until hunger called again, and we went all out making homemade pot pie. More games and relaxation came until school finally let out and the two of us could wander the long walk back to the warehouse.

Just in time for a meeting, in fact.

     "They didn't even stay for five minutes?" Pieter frowned at the news.
     "Leo popped his head in to say our police confirmed we had nothing to worry about, he collected anything we had for rent, and off he was again," Jam explained.
     "You think Skylar being caught would have them stay for at least last night. They've only been here one other time so far this week, not really counting the quick moments where Coral drops off the food and runs back out," Cinnamon recounted bitterly.
     "I know. I know," Jessamine pressed sympathetically. "It's been a tense few weeks. Cori isn't staying anymore. Skylar being found and that opening up the worry others might catch us who don't want to be caught. Leo and Coral seemingly moving on. However, I did talk to Leo and Coral a lot this morning. They're just worn, okay? They've been living like this for over a decade, and we have to give them credit for being honest about wanting to live normally as soon as they can. They're not simply going to cut us high and dry though. Basically, the two are taking something of a vacation. A few weeks to get away...and also appease their neighbors who were beginning to get suspicious of how little they came around."
     "But what are we supposed to do in the meantime?" Tulip folded her arms.
    "They asked me to take care of the issues that popped up and collect the money. Coral will still pop by with food. Otherwise, just continue as normal. Things shouldn't change that much, to be honest," Jessamine shrugged.

Tulip, Cinnamon, and Jam weren't appeased, but my anxieties settled at Jessamine's explanation. Given the fact that if Pieter didn't hate his home I would suggest we stay there all the time instead, the addiction of a more normal life was difficult to ignore. I cringed at the thought of returning to these lumpy beds, cold walls, unsatisfying baths, and cold meals. Leo and Coral were well within their rights to have a break.

     "I was worried about you last night," Gravel said. He'd followed me into the one room when I went to return Skylar's notebook to the desk should he choose to runaway back here. "Leo said Pieter contacted him. Obviously, or we wouldn't have known about Skylar. Still, you two shouldn't have stayed on the streets."
    "We didn't. Pieter's really well-informed. He knew of a safe place to stay for the night and get some good meals."
     "Oh? Where?"
     "It's a secret." I held my finger to my lips.

I crossed the room to check the windows, for it felt like more wind than normal seeped in. I must have just missed the warmth of a house with heating though. Then I found myself suddenly in the air.

     "Gravel!?" I exclaimed.
    "I mean it. I was really worried about you last night. Just need to reassure myself you're safe," he said as he clung me to his side like a toddler.
     "I am sorry. I didn't mean to worry you," I apologized.
     "How about a kiss on the cheek to seal that apology?"

I shook my head in amusement and complied. A hissing chill from the window shuddered my back and arms with a shiver right after.

     "We're going to have an early winter this year. Coral should take you shopping again for even warmer clothes. She picked cute things for you. This outfit is my favorite. The skirt with the leggings really works," Gravel complimented.
     "I like the scarf," I grinned widely rubbing it between my fingers.
     "I'm not surprised. Why not just buy an entirely pink out next time?"
     "Oh! That's a good idea!"

We chit-chatted. Gravel got me excited for winter by promising me to take me to all the best sledding spots. He even said he knew someone who could make me a custom decorated sled so I could have koalamb right there with me as we flew down those frosty flakes. Jessamine wished to bathe though, which kicked us out of the room. I silently, and sadly, remarked on the realization that no one would have to sleep on the couches anymore.

     "Are you alright?"

More so than the question, Tulip being the one to ask it after Gravel went outside to the port-a-potty caught me off guard.

     "Yeah?"
     "I heard you call out not too long ago. Was Gravel doing something?"
     "Oh, no. No, it was nothing like that. He just surprised me by picking me up. We were goofing off."
     "Mm."
     "Are you worried about something? This is the second time you've approached me talking about him."
     "I'm not worried about anything," Tulip spoke flatly, brushing her way past me to leave me uncertain again.
     "That answer is little different than 'nothing.'" I whispered to myself.

I watched Tulip disappear from view and went about my way.