The guard knocked on the door and Mrs. Houper answered it eagerly.

“Oh thank the gods.” She sighed in relief, “Eric! Eric, they’re back!” Mrs. Houper yelled into the house. She grabbed Seren and smothered them.

“Get this kid inside and warmed up. They’ve been outside for a long while.” The guard said, as she turned back down the stairs.

“Serenity!” Eric ran around the corner. “What happened? Where did you go?” He practically shoved Mrs. Houper to the side to grab Seren and crush them in a hug.

“I tripped and I think I fainted.” Seren said sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to.”

“It’s not important. You’re back now.” He said.

“I’m sorry,” Seren said slowly. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your Yuletide, Mrs. Houper.”

“Honey, that was yesterday.” Mrs. Houper said gently. “You’ve been gone for nearly two days.”

“You’re freezing cold, let’s get you warmed up.” Eric said, standing up and taking Seren’s hand. “Mrs. Houper, can you get something going for them? They must be starving.”

“Absolutely, you have any requests?” Mrs. Houper asked. Seren shrugged. Mrs. Houper nodded and went into the kitchen.

“Come on, we’ll go to the upstairs bathroom.” Eric said, holding Seren’s hand and leading them up the stairs.

“You aren’t mad at me?” Seren asked.

“Of course I am. You disappeared, twice. I was worried sick, I had to call every single person in this city to look for you.” He said, “but, I am so much more relieved you’re okay and that you’re back home where you belong.”

“You should be mad, I messed up.” Seren said as they entered the bathroom. “I didn’t think, I-”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s all over now,” Eric said, shutting the door and sitting on his knees to stay close to Seren. “We’ll never bring this up again.”

“But what about Miss Jass? She’s gonna tell” Seren said, a sudden fear shivering through them.

“No she won’t. I took care of it. Now all we have to do is leave it behind us.” He said, voice as straight as a ruler.

“Why wouldn’t she tell?” Seren asked but Eric shook their hands.

“I took care of it. Can you trust me?” He asked. Seren thought about it, stared at him, and finally nodded. “Good. Then we agree. We’ll never speak of this again.”

“Are you still going to replace me?” Seren asked quietly.

“What makes you think I’m going to replace you?” He asked.

“You have that other kid coming on monday. He’s gonna take my position.” Seren clenched Eric’s hands tightly. Eric chuckled.

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“We’ll see,” he rolled his eyes sarcastically. “Now get warmed up, and Mrs. Houper’s making lunch.”

“I don’t feel cold though.” Seren said. Eric stood up and stared at them.

“But your skin is freezing.” He said. “Do you just want to change?”

“I think Wynne did something to me.” Seren admitted. “They showed me all the memories and dreams of fae stuff.” Eric nodded slowly.

“Okay, that’s… fine. We can work with that.” He said, uncertainly. “Here, take a bath. Just to give Mrs. Houper some time to make something for you.” Seren nodded and turned to the faucet but stopped and spun back around. Throwing themself at Eric.

“What is it?” He asked overbalancing and falling backward into the door.

“Everything.” Seren said. “Everything’s all wrong and I don’t know what to do anymore.”

“It’s okay. It’s all okay now.” Eric held them tightly. “It’ll all get better with time.”

“Really?” Seren muttered.

“Really.” Eric agreed. Seren didn’t believe it, but they did feel a bit better while being held.

***

Winter passed in a flash. The snow melted and little blossoms tried to bloom over the trees. Seren sat at the counter and Kalyani placed a plate of breakfast in front of them.

“Thanks!” They smiled over their book.

“Serenity,” Eric called as he entered the kitchen. “Have you seen that boy?”

“Nope,” Seren snickered. “He hasn’t shown up today.”

“Mm. Lasted longer than I thought.” He said amused. “Where’s Mrs. Houper?”

“Helping take down the winter decorations.” Seren said, still not looking up from their book.

“Ah, nevermind then.” Eric took a cup of coffee from Kalyani who’d already made a pot in preparation for him. “After breakfast we have three appointments and I’ve prepared a list for you.”

“Cool.” Seren said absently.

“Serenity!” Mrs. Houper called. Finally making them look up. They shrugged and put their bookmark in the book and left the counter to see what she wanted. Mrs. Houper was in the sitting room, amidst the mess of the decorations coming down. Early spring light came flooding in from the newly repaired windows.

“Seren, you didn’t open any of your yule presents!” She gasped, pointing to the pile of brightly wrapped presents.

“Oh yeah, I suppose I should do that.” Seren said awkwardly.

“Yes you should! Eric! Eric, you have presents too!” She yelled. Seren could hear his eyes rolling from the sitting room. They smiled as Eric stomped into the sitting room.

“Let’s make this quick.” He grumbled. Seren grabbed a box with their name on it and tore the paper off and opened the box.

“Aww,” Seren said as they lifted a knitted sweater and matching scarf. “Thanks Mrs. Houper.”

“You’re welcome.” Mrs. Houper smiled. Seren pushed one with Eric’s name and he opened it while Seren found another one with their name.

“Thank you Mrs. Houper.” Eric said as he revealed the matching sweater and scarf. Seren snickered and opened the second present. Freezing in awe of the precious doll in her packaging.

“Oh.” Seren marveled. Lifting the doll out of the box. She was perfect, right out of the window display. With perfect brown curls and green eyes, in a beautiful winter gown. A few extra outfits were placed in the box as well.

“I love her!” Seren said, “I’m going to name her Lily. Thanks stepdad.”

“You’re welcome kid,” Eric said, betraying himself with a little smile. Seren pulled another present to them and their smile faded as the handwriting on it was their dad’s. The room seemed to hold its breath as Seren carefully pulled open the wrapping paper. Inside the box was a plush soft black tipped reef shark. Seren carefully lifted him out of the box and held him up. Slowly, Seren held him to their chest and squeezed him tightly. He was so soft and squishable.

“He’s perfect.” Seren said, “I’ll always keep him near me. Forever.”

“What are you going to name him?” Mrs. Houper asked.

“Tipsy, he’s a black tipped reef shark.” Seren said, putting him down next to Lily. They wiped their face and smiled.

The sun drew long over the sitting room floor. Shining on the bright and shiny new doll, and the worn and second hand shark plush. Outside, the first flower of spring opened its pedals.