I wake up from my slumber and I do some stretches. I am a growing boy, after all. The sun is shining brightly and the birds are chirping, it’s probably going to be a fine day for playing but more importantly, it’s an important day for me. Why is this day more important than the other days I’ve lived up until now? It’s because I made myself a friend yesterday! I have to cultivate that relationship, make it grow and blossom into one of trust and loyalty. If I am to make a move in the future, I am going to need supporters and confidants. Connections are the most essential pieces of resources one could have in ‘the game’.

I headed to our library after eating breakfast and seeing my father off and headed to my usual spot. The sun was illuminating the entire room and quite frankly, it was just the best time to read. I picked up a random book (Calligraphy 101) and sat down in my usual spot. I was fascinated with calligraphy but I never had the time to learn it in my previous life. I took out my writing instruments and proceeded to practice. I learn fast but a skill like calligraphy takes practice. Master Calligraphers have spent their life perfecting their craft and… okay, I have successfully replicated the first style presented in the book. This is strange. I know I learn fast but this rate of learning and replication is too ridiculous. I spent the next few hours of the early morning doing this repeatedly.

At the third hour, I started feeling dizzy but I attributed it to hunger and decided to ignore it. One mustn’t overindulge in the pleasures of the flesh, after all. It got worse at the fourth hour and right before noon, I got tunnel vision and then passed out. Right as the world blackened around me, I could hear my Mother dropping the plate she was wiping as she rushed towards the library when, presumably, she heard me hit the ground.  

After an indeterminate amount of time passed, I woke up in my bed with a piece of damp cloth over my head. Logically thinking, it was my mother who brought me here and it was my mother who took care of me while I was indisposed. As I was thinking this, I realized that my hand was extremely warm but it wasn’t unpleasant. I sat up from my bed and under my sheets, I saw that Esha was holding my hand as she breathed in and out gently.

Heron: Charming even in your sleep, Esha. Children everywhere should be like you!

I pat her head but every time my hand ran through her scalp, I could feel bumps and bruises. I looked at the hand holding mine and finally saw the horrible truth. Her pristine white skin was covered in bruises and cuts and she was dirty! This is a terrible state for a child, no for anybody to be in. I could feel the rage boil within me but logic and reasoning forced me back into my calm demeanor.

Think, Heron. What kind of monster would treat a child like this? Why would she merit this sort of treatment from the people around her? Wasn’t she the mayor’s daughter or granddaughter, maybe even her distant relative? As I debated with myself and thought of every possible scenario, a voice rang from the door frame.

Beatrice: Heron, how are you feeling baby boy?

My mom walked up to me and smiled at the sight of Esha holding my hand. We probably looked like siblings in her eyes, which is good. That means there wouldn’t be any problem for me and Esha in the long run. Like I said before, I need friends and connections if I am to make a significant changes in this town, no this world. I looked at my Mom and smiled at her.

Heron: I’m okay mommy. Why is Esha here?

I tilted my head to produce a child-like quality of innocence. Every little gesture counts!

Beatrice: Oh you are too cute! When you passed out, I rushed from the kitchen to the library and found Esha tending to you. I didn’t know you had company over, I would have fixed you up some snacks! You should be ashamed for not entertaining your lady guest, son.

Eh? For the first time in a long while, I was baffled. How could Esha be in the room with me faster than my Mom rushing a flight of stairs from the kitchen? My mom isn’t an athlete nor is she a fit soldier but she isn’t entirely out of shape. I mean I can hear my dad and his friends talk about how great her body is so that should count for something. Stands to reason that my mom is by no means slow or sluggish so how can Esha enter the house from the outside and beat my mother to my side?

Beatrice: Child, are you feeling unwell?

With a worried look in her face, my mom sat beside my bed and held her hand to my forehead.

Heron: I’m fine mommy!

I then focused my gaze on Esha and my mom did the same. We appreciated the sight of the girl who mysteriously appeared at my side to help but then,

My mom and I looked at each other and laughed. It seems as though Esha was hungry!

Heron: Mommy, my tummy is making the same noise as Esha’s…

Beatrice: Okay, okay. I will go ahead to prepare some snacks for you and your friend. Watch over her, child. She did the same for you when you were sleeping, well until she felt sleepy herself and snuggled herself beside you that is.

This child has grown attached to me to this extent? What kind of trauma has this child experienced? I feel that she is in need of love and care. Does she not have a family? Along with my earlier questions, I decided that I had enough and that I was curious. I have to find out about Esha’s past.

Esha: Umuu umuu.

Heron: Good morning!

Esha: Good morning Heron…umuu, are you feeling better now?

Turning her cute head up as she looked at me, I could see a small pout forming on her mouth. Ah, what a cute child.

Heron: I am thanks to you!

Esha brightened up and gave me a smile. She hugged for a bit and then she stood up, sniffing the air. She smiled expectedly for a second but the smile was gone as fast as it appeared. She lowered her head and proceeded to look at her feet. That’s a horrible sign and it indicates an aversion to confidence or self-assurance. I need to break this girl free from her traumas but I need to know what’s troubling her first.

Esha: It’s meal time? Esha will go for now and return when you are done eating. I do not wish to be a bother umuu.

Heron: What are you talking about Esha? You must stay here and eat with my mother and I.

Esha: Umuu. I do not wish to be a bother like what everyone says so I will go. You do not need to offer me hospitality or kindness, your friendship is enough.

This child’s vocabulary is strangely wider than majority of the people my age but what intricate words that are produced from her mouth are all but coated in despair and self-loathing. I frowned to myself at this.

Esha: See? Even Heron is starting to think that I am a bother..

Heron: Not at all!

I chastised myself for showing that face to Esha and quickly gave her a smile.

Heron: My mommy is cooking for the both of us. It would be a bother if you went home to your parents from our place hungry. So stay, aren’t we friends?

I offered my hand to Esha once more and awaited her reply. She seemed to hesitate but eventually, she took my hand into hers.

Esha: I do not have any parents that would get mad at me but okay, I will stay.

Heron: Wait, then who is taking care of you? The mayor?

Esha: Whozzat? No, Esha is alone. Esha lives in a wooden hut near the town but it’s a little creaky.

Heron: What are you talking about? Wooden hut? So you live alone?

Seriously, what has this child gone through?!

Esha: Yes, Esha is alone. The people from town don’t really like me, except for you and your mommy.

Heron: Of course we would like you, you are my precious friend.

My eyes darkened as I scanned her heavily wounded body. Esha felt my gaze and tried to cover her arms and legs. I then noticed that the ‘standard wear’ she had on was in a bad state of decay and it was literally falling apart. I then realized the most important fact that I overlooked. Tears flooded my eyes as I realized that the ‘button’ she gave me yesterday was more precious to her than I would have ever imagined. It was the last button holding the clothes together to barely protect her from the cold but she gave it up just so I could complete my stupid snowman.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Heron: Damn…

Esha, being the smart child that she was, placed her hand on mine and her eyes filled with unimaginable burden, spoke to me.

Esha: Heron. I am thankful that are worried for me and that you are hurting for me however, all is well. I’m alive and you’re alive. Your mommy and daddy are alive. That’s all that matters.

At this, my tears started falling once more and I started bawling like a child. Crying like this feels good, like I am shedding away my troubles in exchange for freedom and comfort from the warmth of the bodies of the people around me as they hug me and as they console me. As the scion of my kingdom, I could not show anyone my weaknesses and my frustrations. I was their pillar of strength so I had to be the strong one but now, as a child, I can let loose and I can be as free as I wanted to be.

My mother ran into the room like the worried mother that she was. She saw me crying and then she realized why. Esha’s frail body was covered in bruises and bumps and her state of clothing was disheveled and poor. My mother hugged me close to her and to our surprise, Esha was hugged too.

Heron: Mommy. Esha doesn’t have a mommy or a daddy like I do. She lives alone.

My mother tried to stop her tears from falling from her own eyes as she looked at Esha as if she was begging for forgiveness.

Beatrice: I…Arianna, I did not know. I swore to protect her but I feigned ignorance. Forgive me, forgive me. I will….take care of her from now on.

Arianna? Who was that?

My mom hugged us tighter. Her scent spread itself my senses and I am feeling bliss and comfort. I felt safe here and to my surprise, so did Esha.

Beatrice: You’ve been through so much Esha.

My mom ran her hand through Esha’s messy hair and to my surprise, the old soul Esha started bawling as well. We spent that beautiful moment crying our eyes out and it felt wonderful. We felt closer, not just Esha and I, but my mom, Esha and myself. At the end of our little touching moment, my mom brought us to the dining table and she served us Tonkatsu (or pork cutlet) and it was delicious!

Beatrice: Esha, would you like to maybe live with us? We’d love you and take care of you and raise you well. What do you say?

My mom smiled at Esha and assured her that whatever she answers would be fine. I mean if Esha decides to live alone then we would simply have her for meals every day. It’s not as if we won’t be able to take care of her if she declined our offer. However,

Esha: I am nothing but trouble but knowing that, knowing who I am, will you still take me in and love me as your own?

My mom and I were taken by surprise. Sometimes, the way Esha speaks and acts are beyond that of a 3 year old girl. As I was still processing everything that she said, my mother nodded.

Beatrice: Of course. I know who you are and you know about me. That’s fair right?

Esha: Equive…equiva…equi

Beatrice: Equivalent Exchange.

My mom and Esha started laughing at Esha’s little mishap. Guess she’s just a cute little girl acting tough after all.

I smiled at my mom and she smiled back at me. It was a pleasant scene. After eating, I dragged Esha to the snowman that we made and we spent the time playing around it and the Peppermint tree in our yard. A few moments passed and our moment of peace came to a sudden halt and found out first hand what had Esha gone through these past few months.

Three young men who were well dressed happened upon our home. They must be around 10 or 11 years old and they were clearly well off. The pudgy one whom by analyzing their group dynamics I assume is their leader walks towards us. I walked towards him and I raised my arm to shake his hand as a greeting but he walks past me and he suddenly spat at Esha’s face!

Pudgy Boy: So you were here eh bitch? How can you live with yourself as you dirty everything around you with your bizarre magic? Die like a bitch like your mommy!

The pudgy boy grabbed Esha by her hair and pushed her down as he picked dirt onto Esha. I was at a loss for words but I was calm enough to think rationally. I knew I wouldn’t win in a straight fight but I had to try. The two lackeys started laughing and pushed me down as the pudgy boy kicked more dirt onto Esha. The poor girl was trying to cover her face as she cried the humiliation and fear away. Eventually, the other lackey joined in and threw a rock at her. Damn, so that’s how the bruises came to be! At the peak of my anger, I stood up with sheer strength and pulled pudgy away from Esha.

Pudgy Boy: What the fuck? Do you know who you’re trying to push around?

Pudgy walks towards me and in a moment of faux bravado, I assumed a fighting stance. Of course, I knew more than enough fighting styles to take a child like him down but that would make me the bad guy right? I decided to fight defensively.

He throws an easily dodgeable punch. I sidestepped, used his momentum and pulled him to the ground where he landed with a huge bam! Sound. That looked painful and embarrassing. Of course he’d be mad.

The lackeys helped pudgy boy up and as they were preparing to hit me for what I had done, I notice a brief flash of light which came from behind me and I noticed that they looked unwell and with a moment of confusion in their eyes, pudgy started walking away and his lackeys followed. Just like that. Of course, as a strategist I was confused. Was that flash of light magic? Could be. Then it should have been a fairly decent confusion spell to confound three people at once with minimal side effects. Who would cast it though?

Honestly, I can barely contain my rage. If there's one thing I cannot bear, it's that I cannot live in a world where the strong prey on the weak and I bore witness to that very harsh reality right before my eyes and I couldn't anything about it! That very thought fed my anger. It started to overcome my reason as I thought up of ways to avenge Esha's honor but I decided to leave it be for now.

We went back inside my house and my mother took Esha to the bathroom and gave her a bath. I left the women to their whims as I returned to the library to continue my reading. As I was standing in my spot and with the sun up high, I notice a glimmer in my peripheral. In a state of trance, I gravitated towards the shining object and I gave it a push. I see a familiar flash of light as I peered inside the container and inside was something….unnerving. Something unnatural.

It was a tightly bound purple book and plastered on its cover in gold lettering and in my mother tongue were the words: Index Librorum Prohibitorum. I proceeded to slowly open the tightly bound book.

As I was contemplating vengeance, I come upon this priceless gem. Fortune favors the bold after all.

Heron: This is… this is! Hahahahahaha!

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