“How are you feeling Akio?” A elderly man asked the child. The kid in question had taken a bath and fitted with clean clothes. He was quietly drinking some tea on the sofa without acknowledging the existence of anyone around him. The elderly man was the village chief who was told of the horrible events that had transpired in his village. The death of Jeetus North and destruction of one of the temples of the Holy Light Church was a huge blow to the village’s economy and the child’s mental state.

Akio became unresponsive even since he saw the decapitated body of his father. Everyone in the village knew how much the death had wounded the poor child. They tried to comfort him with kind words, promises, and hugs; all of which were ineffective in bringing back the lively Akio they always knew in the past.

Seeing that Akio wouldn’t respond to his question, the chief brought out some items that might bring Akio back to reality. Akio took a glimpse of the items and immediately realized who they belonged to--his father.

Life returned in Akio’s eyes as the child began tearing up again. The chief knew this was a cruel way of doing things, but it was necessary for the young child to hear what he was about to say.

“Akio. These are the only personal belongings of your father we could retrieve from the wreckage of your home.” The Village Chief explained. At the moment, Akio was completely out of his grieving state and was closely listening to the chief.

“How?” Akio was shocked by the news. After the events at the church, he had never left the adventurer’s guild. To hear that the place he had lived his entire life was destroyed right after the death of his father clouded his mind with more grief.

“What happened?” (Akio)

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“We don’t know who did it. When we were notified by your friend Calla, the fire was already out of control. I am sorry that we can not save your home.” (Chief)

Akio tightened his fists and held back his tears. He must stay strong; now was not the time to cry.

“I am truly sorry, Akio.” The chief spoke his final piece before leaving the room and left Akio alone to organize his thoughts.

Akio had lost everything. His only family and his home. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Today was supposed to be the happiest day of his life. It was his birthday; the day he where his father would surprise him with gifts and a shower of hugs and kisses. Why? Just why did his father leave him alone? He doesn’t know what to do and no one was there to guide him.

“Maybe I should end it.” He mumbled.

*Knock* *Knock*

“Akio. Can I come in?” A bright voice rang from the other side of the door. He immediately recognized the voice to be his friend Calla.

“Ye-Yea.” He called out. As he said it the door was opened, revealing Mr. and Mrs. Kadel and Calla. In Mrs. Kadel’s hands was a cake with 6 lit candles.

“I know this isn’t the best time for this, but happy birthday Akio.” Mrs. Kadel walked towards Akio and placed the cake on the table, right next to his father’s belongings. She set down right next to him and placed her hands on his shoulders.

“We know it is hard for you to accept that he is gone. The news of his death was hard for us to swallow as well, but it’s even more devastating for you.” She moved Akio closer to her and embraced him in a tight hug before continuing. “Just know that we are here for you. We are also your family. You are never alone. Remember that.”

“That’s right Akio. I will always be there for you”. Calla butted in.

“So am I buddy.” Mr. Kadel added with pride.

The revelation was so sudden. Before, he was thinking of ending everything, but now, he wanted to live. To live for his new family.

His vision became blurry as he tightened his embrace. He tried to hold back his tears to no avail.

“Go on. There is no need to hold back”. (Mrs. Kadel)

Those words brought the dams down and the salty waters flowed. The tears kept going and going.

Seeing an opportunity, Calla embraced Akio from behind. Even Mr. Kadel joined in with his own hug. In all of this, Akio cried. This time, it wasn’t filled with grief, but relief from the warm embrace of his family. A family he never knew he had and never wished to lose. He had a goal now; a future where he will honor his father and protect his family. He would never fail again.

Never again.