Page 33 of Soulmateless
Her expression doesn't change as she cups her hands together. "You were barely the size of my hand when you were born. I remember the cries…the nurses… the doctors… telling me you may not live…" She gives a brief smile but her tears spill. "Just so small and vulnerable."
She had always been this way talking about her pregnancy with me and the weeks after it. I was bornprematurely and had pneumonia soon after. Doctors weren't sure if I would pull through, but with enough medicines, potions, and intubation, I did.
She had told me those were the worst moments in her entire life. In my earlier memories, Mother would get Dr. Kurt for every little cut and bruise, even when I winced over paper cuts. If that scared her, I can only imagine how scared she was this time.
I lean over and wrap my arms around her. She sobs softly, and a pang of guilt seeps throughout my body. Who knew my very existence could cause so much pain?
She doesn't deserve that. No one does.
Father embraces her from behind while Erasmus squeezes her shoulder. “It's alright Mother…” Erasmus soothes.
“I'm still here…” I whisper. “I've made it twenty years.”
“I know…” Mother whimpers. “I know…”
After a long moment of comfort, Mother pulls herself away and wipes her tears. "I just still get worried that something will go wrong.” Her teary eyes meet mine. “Like as if I'll do something that will lead you down the path of death. I'd never forgive myself.”
I lay a hand on her shoulder. “This incident wasn't your fault, Mother. There's nothing you could've done to stop it.”
“Next time I'll make sure he has extra bullets when we go to the gun range,” Erasmus says behind her. “It's my fault.”
Again with the need to watch me! “Iwill make sure I have enough ammo,” I scowl at him. “I'll handle it.”
Erasmus squints. “I'll just remind you to bring more.”
“However it happens, I just want you safe.” Mother looks at me, then at Erasmus. “Both of you. I know you're experienced with the military but I'd rather you stay out of trouble.”
“I'll avoid it when I can.”
“Good.” Her glances flicker between us. “Because I don't want to lose either of my sweet boys.”
We all smile at each other when Father pokes his head between Mother and Erasmus. “Alright guys. Let's hug it out!”
Father wraps his arms around Mother and Erasmus. Erasmus reaches a hand towards my head and brings me closer. I chuckle along with everyone before joining in on the hug.
The laughter softens as we embrace. We're together, happy as a family. We can scold and argue all we like, but in the end, we're still a family.
“It feels nice to know we're all still here.” Father says softly.
“Yes, all in one piece,” Mother says.
There's a peaceful silence between us, until Mother pulls away. “Lovebird,” she lifts Father’s chin and pecks his lips. “Can you get us some hot drinks? I’m craving honey and milk.”
Erasmus and I stick our tongues out. Sometimes they display too much affection.
His cheeks redden before smirking. “Of course, my love I assume you would like some too, Amias?” Father looks at me.
“Yeah.” Honey and milk have always been one of my and Mother's favorite drinks. It brings me back to when I was five and noticed Mother drinking it when everyone had hot chocolate. I asked her for a taste, and little did she know her choice to let me try would lead me to constantly beg her for more.
“And you want hot chocolate?” He turns to Erasmus.
Erasmus snorts. “Sure but I'll come with you. Make sure you don't burn the milk.”
“That hasn't happened since you were six!” Father exclaims.
After they leave the room, my thoughts wander back to Clara. I hope I don't find her face on the news. She should’ve escaped, right?
My gaze goes to the window, where the city skyline stands behind a small strip of forest. Estrella’s star is setting, showering Amara city in orange light. If she made it out, she's spending the night in the streets.
