A couple of days after the lesson, the kids kept asking when they could see more of the curious traveler. It's nice to see them wanting to learn more.
Though Kaelith has been busy with his work, and I can't force him to be there again.
The coast has been calling my name. I want to cook a special dish for him. It feels like we've been having every meal together lately—not that I'm complaining.
So I head to the market and look over the catches of the day. Once I find two fish of the size I want, I begin making my way back.
As I walk, a sudden gust of wind hits me, its salty nature filling my nose. I instinctively close my eyes and follow its direction.
When I open them again, I spot a ship docking. A man steps off, and a woman follows behind him. Both look like sailors. Then I hear a child scream in joy as they run toward them.
The two scoop the child up, hugging them tightly—all three of them together, whole and happy.
I quickly turn away, a single tear forming in my eye as I walk.
I don't begrudge their happiness.
I just wish…
My thoughts begin to spiral into something darker—until I feel an impact against my hip.
"Ouch!" I yelp, turning toward it.
A ball rolls away toward the children's park.
"Miss Wrenfell, I'm so sorry!" one of the kids says, rushing to grab it, while the others gather around me, apologizing and checking if I'm okay.
"I'm fine, it's okay. You didn't hurt me."
"You know, I'm glad they didn't. You're quite fragile."
"And you are very mistaken. Kaelith I'm stronger than you think," I say, turning to him with a playful look.
He smirks. "I'll believe it when I see it."
I puff out one of my cheeks. "Oh, then mister—you asked for it."
I turn to the kids. "Can I borrow your ball for a second? All will be forgiven."
They nod eagerly, and I pick it up.
"Stand there, between those two trees," I say, pointing behind me. The kids use them as goalposts.
"If I kick it past you, you owe me an apology."
"And if you don't?"
"Oh, that won't happen. I assure you."
"Sure, sure," he says with a grin, taking his position.
I set the ball down and glance up at him. His shoulders are relaxed.
Ohhh, I can't wait to score on you.
I take a few steps back, then run forward at full speed, sandals slapping against the ground. I fake a glance to one side, and he leans that way—
Then I kick in the opposite direction.
The ball flies like lightning.
But Kaelith, despite leaning the wrong way, recovers and stops it. He moved faster than anybody I have ever seen.
"Oh wow, mister, that was so cool!"
The kids swarm him instantly, asking a million questions and begging him to play.
He looks like he's stepping on glass.
I giggle and turn away.
"Hold it right there, missy."
"Oh?"
"Since these children are asking a million questions about how I play, you aren't going anywhere."
I turn back.
"You're going to help me coach them. Consider it payment for losing."
I look at the kids' pleading eyes and sigh, smiling. I set the fish nearby where they won't get in the way.
Together, we play with the kids for what feels like hours. Laughter fills the air—bright, carefree, and warm.
Before I know it, the sun is setting.
"Alright, kids. As much as we'd love to keep going, we need to head out."
They let out a chorus of disappointed groans, but they understand and return to their games.
As I move to grab my things, I see the child with the white scarf run to their parents, who have come to pick them up. The child hugs them tightly, smiling wide.
I quickly turn and start walking.
"Wait, slow down, Nyra."
I don't. I need distance. One reminder was enough—but two in a day…
My eyes begin to sting.
Before I know it, I'm standing in front of my door.
"Stop."
Kaelith places his hands on my shoulders.
I look up at him, forcing a smile. "Yes?"
"You can't fool me with that look. What's wrong?"
I sigh. "It's selfish. Just ignore it."
I try to walk past him, but he steps in my way again.
"It's not selfish to want to know them, Nyra."
My heart skips.
How did he know?
"Why? Why do you even want to know?" he asks, concern in his voice.
He pulls out a handkerchief and offers it to me.
"You have happiness. You have a good life. I just… don't understand why they mean so much to you."
I take the handkerchief, using the moment to steady my breathing.
"Because they deserve to be remembered."
He freezes, eyes widening.
My hands tremble.
"When I dream of them, Kaelith… I can't see their faces. Nothing stands out. Nothing tells me who they were."
My breath shakes.
"I want to remember them—but I can't. And what's worse… I don't even know their names. I don't know if they have a headstone."
My voice cracks.
"Everyone deserves to be remembered. That's why—more than anything."
He looks down, shame flickering across his face. When he speaks again, his voice breaks.
"You're a good person, Nyra."
He opens the door for me.
"I just hope you find your answers… and don't get swallowed by the world."