A Bright morning

Mother... Is she really saying this? She's truly willing to take me in? Not just as a guest, but a part of her own family. I, I'm not sure how to process this... my heart's clenching within a warm grasp, my eyes, stinging from all the feelings culminating, pouring down my face like small rivers releasing all that I've kept unfelt. I need to stop... If I keep going like this I'll just end up worrying her... again. Huh? This gentle calming embrace, her arms protectively wrapping around me, providing the sanctity to let it all out. Her voice's, so clear, permeating such care and understanding.

"You were terribly lonely weren't you?" Loneliness... that cold uncertainty, even before I ran away, tossing myself into the unknown all those long nights spent alone within that room behind the door, not knowing if Harry would ever come back, was undeniably isolating and dreadful. My only escape was the visions of a world that I thought was long gone. This comfort handed to me now is truly a blessing, I should cherish and reciprocate all this kindness, for all the time to come, if my future can be filled with this, maybe, just maybe I can stay happy, maybe I can forget, to put all those bad things behind me... no, even if I can't, even if this pain stays with me, I'll make the bliss my strength to carry on.

Some time passed after that, I'm not sure just how much, the tears just wouldn't stop, before I knew it the remains of the sun had set and the cold flare of the moon was peeking through the open window, just after all the energy I've gained from today I was absolutely drained and left unable to do anything but letting the sweet swaddle of sleep overtake me. Whisking me away through numerous foggy images, some having a strange kind of shine to them like they were half engulfed in a cold blinding light searing through whatever was supposed to be shown, all I can vaguely remember was the sound of trampling footsteps and cries, sorrowful vails seeped in sorrow and agony. Within that state, hours passed like minutes, passing by in the blink of an eye before I found myself waking to the subtle songs of birds accompanied by the laughter of children playing outside beyond the window, playing carelessly and without any worries for anything that might transpire. I was heaving for air, my heart beating so ferociously against my chest that I felt nauseous, but all of that suddenness passed quickly as I found my bearings.

"How are you feeling today Khat?" Agatha, she must have entered the room before I even noticed. Carrying that same welcoming smile in addition to a tray balancing another fragrant bowl of soup, the consistency seems thick and opaque like the last one, but this one hits lighter on the nose the color is even pale as paper yet it's carrying hints of sweetness within its deeply complex scent... I'm getting distracted, the pen and paper are right on the nightstand where I last put it.

("Lighter, the pain is almost completely gone too") She's putting the tray on my lap, even through the firm wood and soft cloth I can sense the mild heat from the bowl resting against my thighs... It's pleasant.

"You seem a bit pale, were you not able to rest through the night?" Did it show on my face? It's true that I don't feel as energetic as I probably should, but as far as I know, I slept through the entire night.

("I just had some strange dreams. Nothing to worry about, I feel better than yesterday.") That smirk, her hand pulling up in front of her lips quickly, did she just laugh under her breath?

"Guess I was worried about nothing then, you do seem much healthier these last few days. I think we can even remove the bandages in another week's time." A pause, those eyes looking me up and down, pondering something, as her bright shining eyes reach a conclusion.

"Let's take a short walk today, we'll take it slow and I'll help you if you grow unsteady or tiered, how about it?" A walk huh? Just how long has it been since I've truly stepped on grass, letting it graze against my soft feet? How long has it been since I've viewed the world itself in the open, neither clouded by fear nor through panes of glass? The last time must have been the few times Mary took me outside at Alchemilla, could it already be more than ten days ago?

("It sounds great! When will we head out?") To be honest with myself, I can't deny this want, it sounds absolutely lovely, even if I don't see anything new the experience on its own is something I've grown rather impatient for, perhaps she noticed it, or maybe it's because of something else entirely? Regardless I can feel my pulse rising with the sparkling flow of excitement.

"As soon as you finish breakfast, make sure to start so it won't grow cold." She's right, if I wait much longer the meal will turn lukewarm, I'll better dig in.

The woodwork under my toes is both soft and smooth, the soup from earlier went down surprisingly quick, it had a strange sweet yet spicy taste to it, one that still lingers on my tongue every time I breathe, but now's the time, I put my right leg forth testing the balance, I'm indeed steadier than last time I should be able to walk for more than just a few rooms if it stays like this, just like Agatha said I should just take it slow, the walk should be something we both enjoy after all.

"Ready?" Her steady kind hand reaches out for mine, her eyes smiling just as much as her soft lips dressed in red just like her flowing locks, I should reach out myself, grabbing hold of the hand belonging to one of those who have truly welcomed me. I nod, my own mouth stretching at the edges exposing my sentiments of pure joy.

"Let's get going. There's a few I'd like for you to meet." Another smile, this one... secretive, this teasing gesture, I'm sure she won't let me know before the moment is there.