Chapter Thirty Three: My Void Inside

1776
Amron opened the door to his home to Hayden, Amya, and Amros. Each of them now resembled twenty year old humans.
Amron
Come in, come now.
They walked in.
Amron
Sit, sit, I’ll get the drinks.
They sat while Amron went to get drinks.
Amros
Well, this should not take too long.
Hayden
No worries, it will only take a few moments.
Amya
Good. I have a meeting with Adams and Thomas soon.
Amros
Jefferson?
Amya
Yes, the only one we know.
She smiled.
Amya
They are two very interesting human minds.
Hayden
They’re fine choices to lead this nation.
Amros
Lots of promise.
Amya 
Indeed.
Hayden put one leg over the other.
Hayden
I would like to arrange a meeting with Mr. Franklin soon.
Amya
I’m sure that can be done. The celebration has begun today, if we can manage to get Amron out of the house we could really celebrate.
Amron walked into the room.
Amron
Celebrate what?
Amya
American Independence.
Amron
American Independence is none of our concern.
Amya
It is when we’re living here.
Amron
Here, there, it doesn’t matter. It’s all the same. A continued cycle I grow bored of.
Amron poured them all a drink and sat in his chair.
Amros
Lighten up, brother.
Amron moved his hair around with his right hand.
Amron
Lighten up? I won’t pretend like I care about what is going on out there. They can celebrate as they see fit but I won’t be a part of it.
He looked towards the window.
Amron
Go, go outside with those humans and pretend you’re one of them. Celebrate like you have won your independence when you’ve had it all along. Go right on ahead my brother, my sister, be my guests, but don’t expect me to play into the game.
He stood up.
Amron
If you want to be like them, then do so. If not, you are welcome to stay.
Amya
Are you implying that we must go if we choose to celebrate?
Amron
You know where the door is.
He poured himself another drink.
Amron
Mother would not be pleased by this.
Amya
Well I’ll be damned!
She stood up.
Amya
You have no idea what mom would think! You know we’re hurting as well. Just because we choose to hold it inside instead of acting like the living dead, does not mean we aren’t hurting!
She dropped the glass on the floor and it broke.
Amya
Just because mother loved you most does not mean she didn’t love us. Stop acting like you were an only child and we are your inferiors.
Hayden
Calm down, Amya.
Amya
I will not!
Her hand turned into a fist.
Amya
For almost a hundred years we’ve been hurting. You both know this.
She turned and looked at Amros.
Amya
And for all those years he’s been acting like he is the only one entitled to any feelings.
Amron
I feel entitled. I know what momma wanted.
Amya
Shut it brother, you don’t know anything. It is us that are orphans, Amron, not simply you.
Amron
I do know. Just because it is out of your scope of knowledge do not act like you must be correct. You didn’t know mother like I did, none of you did.
He swung his head at the others.
Amros
Can you two be civilized?
Amron sat down in his chair.
Amya
Typical. Nothing new, everything old. You swear like it is life that is a cycle and that is a bore, yet I doubt you’ve considered that maybe it is you, brother.
She walked to the door.
Amya
My allegiances are to the humans and their government. If that means you’d cease calling me sister, so be it. It's not like you ever cared anyway.
A tear fell from her eye but she turned away so they wouldn’t see.
Amya
I’m leaving now. Goodbye, Ron.
Amron
Goodbye, sister.

1789
They sat in Amron’s house again.
Amros
How have you been, brother?
Amron
I’ve been well. And yourself?
Amros
Well enough. I have never been one to complain.
Hayden
It would be nice to see you more often, Amron.
Amron
There is no need for that. One visit every so often is well enough.
Hayden
If you must be so negative.
Amron
I must. 
He looked towards the window. 
Amron
I hear they’re celebrating tonight. They celebrate every little thing.
Hayden
A new nation is hardly a little thing.
Amros
Washington is now President.
Amron
I’m sure that is because of Amya. Always has her hands in things, that one.
Amros
Yes. She has a way of swaying human minds.
Amron
Irrelevant.
Amros
She misses you, Amron.
Amron
I care not.
Hayden
A little compassion, Amron?
Amron
Spare me. I care not for the human lover.
Amros
You’ll come around, sometime.
Amron
Will I?
He drank from the cup in his hand.
Amron
I doubt it. Though we are blood, I simply will not allow myself to get tangled in that mess. I can’t fathom her love for those humans and her attempt to feel important in their ranks. Worst of all, she is drunken by emotion.
Amros
Drunken by emotion? Have you not bitten your tongue? I am confused as to why you are not bleeding from the mouth.
Hayden
Amros, play nice.
Amron
No, let him speak.
Amros
Don’t act like you’re oblivious to the meaning behind my sentence. Hayden trained us for fifty years. Figuring you out was not as complicated as you lead yourself to believe. It is hypocritical to claim she is drunk with emotion when that is what your very foundation thrives off of.
Amron set his hands on his lap.
Amron
Do continue, I’m amused.
He smiled.
Amros
It’s just unfair brother.
Amron
Unfair? What do you know about fair and unfair? One hundred years and you both still are incapable of understanding that what you feel is nothing in comparison to how I feel.
Amros stood up.
Amros
How can you say that? I can’t see how you can make this into a contest!
Amron stood up while Hayden sat silently.
Amron
It isn’t a contest you fool. If it was, you lost a long time ago. Way before they hung her on the gallows.
Amros
You’re so naive.
Amron
Am I?
He yelled.
Amron
She loved you yes, but that’s as far as the leaf will go in the wind. It was different between us. It wasn’t only mother and son.
Amros
What was it, Amron? What was it we didn’t have you had?
Amron
Her heart!
He fell back into his chair and began to weep.
Amron
Her heart Amros, it was all I had and ever wanted. But you would not and can’t understand it. You don’t know what it’s like to give all of who you are to someone and have them do it in return. Momma wasn’t only my mother, she was who I am.
He wiped his tears.
Amron
Do you know, Amros? Pray tell, do you know what it’s like to feel half empty? Yes you are aware of the pain of loss but I am quite positive you’ve never lost yourself. That’s what I deal with everyday and ever moment of my life. This emptiness that I can’t run away from.
Amros
You can fill in that hole, Ron. Let us in.
Amron
No!
He got up and threw the chair over.
Amron
Don’t delude yourself! Don’t flatter yourself into thinking you can fill the hole she left in me!
He grabbed at the shirt he was wearing around the chest.
Amron
This emptiness may destroy me someday, and it may make me do things I never thought possible...but it’s all I have.
Amros fought back his tears.
Amron
My void inside is all I have left of her to remember she was once here.
Amros
I still can’t believe you.
Amron looked up at his brother.
Amros
Even now, even after all we’ve been through this is still only about you. It always has been and it always will be.
Amron
It’s about her!
Amros
Fool! Say it enough and you might even make yourself believe it.
Hayden
I think I’ve heard enough.
Amron
Get out of here! You’re pathetic Amros! Your disguise is being seen through. You’re not the almighty powerful all knowing being you believe yourself to be. You’re no different from the humans you associate with.
Amros
Don’t do this.
Amron
You’ve done it already.
Amros
Hayden, we can leave now.
Hayden
Is this it sons? Is this what you truly want?
Amros
It’s what he wants.
Amron
It’s what needs to be done.
Amros
Goodbye, Ron.
Amron
Goodbye, brother.
Amros stormed out of the house. Amron sat in his chair covering his face with his hands.
Hayden
Are you okay?
Amron
No. I don’t think I know what it’s like to be okay anymore, Hayden.
Hayden
Amron, you’re doing this all wrong. You’re too strong to be falling under your own emotions.
Amron
I don’t care. I’m lost Hayden, and I don’t think I’ll ever be found. Even so, I’d rather just fall in this darkness and never return again.
Hayden
You’ll get through this. Till then, I must go.
Amron
Goodbye Hayden, my only friend.
Hayden
We all love you Amron; don’t let the anger deceive you from thinking otherwise. 
He opened the door.
Hayden
Perhaps one day you'll learn to love the living as you do the dead. They require it more than the other.
He shut the door and was gone. After this, Amron continued to live his life confined in his own home.

1850
Amron fell to the floor.
Amron
I can’t do this. I won’t do this anymore.
He stood up and walked into the kitchen tumbling things over.
Amron
Momma, I still hurt.
He grabbed the knife off the counter and stuck it into his chest.
Amron
I’ll be home soon.
He fell onto the floor. He laid there for an hour before he woke.
Amron
What are you?
Standing above him was a pure black figure the shape of a human body at the age of five without any outline except a mouth. The figure screamed in a low voice.
Amron
You’re me?
The figure nodded its head.
Amron
I don’t understand.
It screamed loud this time.
Amron
You are evil that is leaving me?
It nodded once again. Amron walked forward.
Amron
You won't be going anywhere.
He stuck his hand into the black figures chest.
Amron
Now know who I truly am. You came from inside of my body, now you will be one with me again.
The figure began to shake rapidly.
Amron
You’re only the darkness in me because that is all I am.
The black figure screamed.
Amron
Good. Now, with you, I can begin my work.
He walked to the doorway.
Amron
Let us go, Orthak.
Orthak screamed.

Chapter Thirty Two: Never be Happy Again

Hayden walked into the kitchen where Amros and Amya sat at the table.
Hayden
Good morning.
Amya and Amros both replied with a good morning.
Amya
Did you sleep well?
Hayden
I did, thank you. You’ll find we elf are easy to please.
He smiled.
Amros
You can sit with us if you’d like.
Hayden sat at the table.
Hayden
Where is your mother?
Amya
She went out with Amron.
Amros
They go out for a walk every morning.
Hayden
Well that’s nice. Why don’t you go with?
Amros set his cup down.
Amros
We’re too old for it.
Hayden
You’re never too old to do something with your mother.
Amya
Well, she tends to favor Amron, so we just leave it alone.
Hayden
Well now that you put it that way, it makes more sense. Will they be back soon?
Amya
Yeah, they should be back before noon.
Hayden
I’ll be expecting them.
Amron walked with his mother through the woods.
Amron
I want berries.
Amber
Well you’re going to have to find them.
She put her hand on his head.
Amber
I have to go find some plants for the kitchen. Can you pull that off without me?
Amron
Yes, momma.
He grabbed her finger. She smiled and laughed.
Amber
Now go on you. I don’t need you making me happy when I already am.
She kissed him on the forehead. He ran off into the woods.
Amron
Where are you?
He searched bush after bush for berries.
Amron
Maybe I’ve had them all already.
He shook the next bush.
Amron
Nope, that’s not right.
Berries fell to the ground. He smiled as he reached down his hand collided with another.
Amron
What the?
A man’s voice came from the other side. He was laughing.
Amron
Can I help you sir?
The man stood up and hovered over the bush. He was fat and dirty.
Man
Hello, my names Tim.
Amron
That’s lovely. Now may I ask you to leave?
Tim
Hey now, I just got here. Now I tend to think of myself as a not so stupid person, so correct me if I’m wrong but did you just make me laugh by the touch of your hand?
Amron
How could I have done that?
Tim
I don’t know. But it seems like ya did. Do I know you?
Amron
No, I don’t know anyone.
Tim
Wait, aren’t you one of the Anselia kids? You out here alone?
Amron
Yes.
Tim
Well that’s not good is it? Not a smart little lad are ya? Being out here alone.
Amron
As it stands, so are you.
Tim
Really? Bertha, get out here!
An ugly woman appeared from behind the trees.
Bertha
What do you want?
Tim
Look, look, we have a little friend.
Amron
I’m not your friend.
Tim
Sure you is. Come here Bertha. It’s one those Anselia kids.
She walked closer.
Bertha
You mean one of those freak boys?
Tim
Yes, one of those. Looks like the stories are true. He made me laugh. Made me laugh with his touch, I swear he did.
Bertha
Lets go tell the town, baby.
He tried to touch Amron but Amron stepped back.
Amron
Sir, you are invading my personal space.
Tim spat on the ground.
Tim
Personal space? You aint got any personal space.
Tim grabbed Amron’s arm.
Amron
No!
Tim screamed at the top of his lungs and fell to his knees while clutching Amron’s arm.
Tim
Stop it, stop it! Please mom please! Dad, I don’t want this anymore.
Bertha
What the hell are you doing to him?
Bertha ran forward and grabbed Tim’s side.
Tim
I want to die, I want to die now. Please, kill me!
He grabbed Bertha with his other hand.
Tim
Kill me now! Please baby, kill me.
Bertha screamed and ran behind Amron. Amron was paralyzed by fear.
Bertha
Freak!
With the swing of a big rock she struck the back of his head. Amron fell to the floor sideways. She rushed to Tim on the floor.
Bertha
You okay?
He got up slowly.
Tim
Yeah, yeah I’m fine.
Bertha
What was he doing to you?
Tim
I don’t know. I just saw the most terrifying things in my head. Looks like he can choose what he wants his victims to feel.
He turned Amron over with his foot.
Tim
Well, I can do the same.
He pulled out a knife.
Tim
He’ll feel what I felt.
Bertha
Come on Tim, lets just go. The town can deal with this.
Tim
Shut up! He is getting what he deserves. Get out of here, go back to the house. I’ll meet you there in a bit.
She ran off. He cut Amron’s shirt open.
Tim
Well, lets see how you like it.
He ran the cold blade across Amron’s chest and stomach.
Tim
Where to start, where to start?
Right under Amron’s rib the blade found home.
Tim
Death will come fast boy, it will welcome you.
A hand grabbed his hair and pulled him up. A blade appeared next to his neck.
Amber
Tell me, will it welcome you?
She stuck the blade into his neck. The man choked and died. His body fell to the floor and she ran to Amron’s side. She parted his hair on his face.
Amber
Ron, baby wake up!
She heard a scream behind her but didn’t lose interest in her son.
Amber
Come on Ron, wake up.
His eyes opened.
Amron
Momma?
Amber
Yes baby, it’s me.
Amron
Momma, am I going to die?
Amber began to cry.
Amber
No baby, no. You said yourself you’d outrun death.
The tears began to blur her vision. He set his hand on her thigh. She felt a surge of happiness pulse through her body.
Amber
Please baby, run.
Amron began to close his eyes.
Amron
I can’t run, momma.
Amber
Hayden!
The leaves moved gently around the forest as Hayden appeared next to her.
Hayden
What has happened?
Amber
He was attacked by that man.
Hayden saw the body on the floor.
Hayden
I can save him. Lets get him to your home first. It wouldn’t be wise to do this where we can be seen.
Amya and Amros cleared the table as Hayden laid Amron on top. Hayden tended to Amron’s wound and five minutes later Amron was breathing gently on the table. Amber stood over him.
Amber
You’re alright, baby.
Amya wiped her tears behind her mother.
Amya
Mommy, who did this?
Amber
The humans! They almost killed your brother.
Amros
Mother, we can’t blame all humans for the acts of one.
Amber
They’re all dirty creatures.
Amros
That’s not true!
She smacked Amros.
Amber
What do you know? You aren’t a human like I am. Even I know the disgusting race I live through!
She walked over to Hayden.
Amber
Go to the room and help them get their stuff. They must leave now.
Hayden, Amros, and Amya went to the other room. Amron opened his eyes to his mother above him.
Amron
Momma, I did it.
Amber
Yeah baby, you did.
He grabbed her hand.
Amber
Stop it! No more of that. I don’t want you making anyone happy again, especially not any humans. No one deserves your gifts.
She took a breath and whispered in his ear.
Amber
Mommy is going to have to leave you soon.
Amron tried to get up and protest but she held him down.
Amber
Don’t baby. No use. They’re coming for me.
Amron
Momma, no.
Amber
Momma can’t do anything about it, Ron. I told you I wouldn’t be able to outrun death. It had to catch up with me sometime. You just keep running, you hear? Keep running until you're so strong that even death will fear you. 
She kissed his forehead.
Amron
I’m sorry, Momma. I’m sorry I didn’t have the power to stop that man.
He began to cry.
Amber
It’s not your fault baby. Sometimes things are out of our power.
Amron
They won’t be after this momma. Run with us. You don’t need to stay behind.
Amber
I can’t do that, sweetie. Momma has a plan and you need to follow it.
Amron
I don’t want to live without you. I won’t ever make another happy again. But without you I’ll never be happy again.
Amber
Yes you will. Remember what I said. Keep me in your memories. I’ll always be there with you, baby. You’re going to go and one day you’ll rule the world. You said it yourself; from here on you will have the power. Show the world all you got. Give them hell. Humans don’t deserve control over the world anymore. Will you do that for me? Will you rule the world one day?
Amron
I will momma, I will.
Amber
Even if it means giving up on your brother and your sister?
Amron
Yes.
Amber
I love you, Ron. My little Amron.
Before he could reply there was a shout outside.
Bertha
Come out, witch. Bring your demon children with you!
There was a roar of approval outside.
Amber
Hayden, you must go now!
Hayden grabbed Amron and the rest followed him to the back door.
Amber
Take care of them, Hayden.
Hayden
I promise.
Amros and Amya said goodbye as she gave them a kiss on the forehead.
Amron
Momma!
Amber
That’s enough baby, go. I’ll always be with you.
She blew him a kiss and they all disappeared. Amber grabbed the candles in the house and began setting the wooden house on fire.
Person
Come out now witch or we will go inside!
Bertha
She is lighting the place on fire!
They all looked up as the roof turned into a giant ball of fire. The door opened and there stood Amber.
Amber
My children are dead!
Bertha
May Jesus have mercy on their souls!
Amber
They fear no Jesus nor seek his mercy!
The crowd began throwing rocks. They moved forward and grabbed her.
Amber
Let go of me, humans! Filthy monsters!
They put a cloth in the shape of a pillow case over her head.
Amber
Cowards! Cowards!
Town policeman.
To the gallows! The judge has already decided she is guilty with the death of your husband Mrs. Bertha Jones.
Amber
Hang me! Cowards!
Bertha
The gallows is God!
Amber
May you burn in hell with your God!
They began to chant witch.
Amber
You will meet God one day but it won't be in death!
They continued to chant.

Chapter Thirty One: Her Fear of Being Found

Spring 1692

Amros was lying against a tree while Amya was across lying in the grass. Amros appeared to be about the age of sixteen while Amya fourteen. Amros had little white flowers floating above his hands. Amros’ has short blond hair and blue eyes. Amya moved rocks on her stomach up and down with a smile. Her long blonde hair scattered across the floor above her.
Amros
Where is Amron?
Amya turned her head to him.
Amya
He said he was going to look for some berries.
Amros
Should we find him?
Amya
No, leave him. He can’t get into much trouble here.
Amron stood above a bush. He appeared to be ten years old with black hair. His blue eyes gazed through the bush searching for berries.
Amron
Where are you?
He shook the bush.
Amron
Found you!
Hayden
Or did I find you?
Amron did not jump. He straightened himself up and turned around.
Amron
Who are you?
Hayden
Hayden Olymny.
Amron
Were you looking for me?
Hayden
No, but I’ve found you.
Amron shrugged.
Hayden
What is it you’re doing?
Amron
Searching for berries. I like berries.
Hayden
Any luck?
Amron
Yes, just now. I found some right behind before you interrupted.
Hayden
Well, carry on.
Amron
I don’t want to anymore.
Hayden
But wouldn't you rather enjoy your berries? You seemed quite happy with your discovery.
Amron
I was. I’m just no longer interested.
Hayden
Why’s that?
Amron
I find you more interesting.
Hayden moved a bit forward.
Hayden 
And why is that?
Amron
Your ears, they aren’t like mine. Your clothes, they have blood on them.
Hayden
Very observant.
Amron
What are you? Why are your clothes bloody? Why are you here?
Hayden
So many questions, young one. Why so curious?
Amron
I’d just like to know.
Amron turned around.
Amron
Will you tell me? Or should I go back to my business?
Hayden
I am an Elf. We’re the race that shares this planet with you humans.
Amron
I’ve never heard of an elf.
Hayden
Well that’s the way we want it. We aren’t friendly creatures. Well, we weren’t. Most of us are dead now.
Amron
Dead, why?
Hayden
Civil war. You see, I am a prince. My family has been in battle with another for centuries over power. I have no one anymore. I sought human company, and I found you.
Amron
Me?
Hayden
Yes. The passage to our world has led me to you.
Amron
Do you believe I owe you something for this meeting?
Hayden
Not in any way.
Amron
Well then, you may leave.
Hayden sat on the floor.
Hayden
But I just got here. I thought you were interested in me.
Amron
Well I don’t know what I can do for you.
Hayden
Can we be friends?
Amron
What would that accomplish?
Hayden
I just lost my parents. I’ve lost my entire family. I could use some company.
Amron 
I am not the best at being company. Plus I'm not supposed to have outsiders as friends.
Hayden
What’s the problem?
Amron
My brother. He says I’m not allowed to talk to strangers.
Hayden
Well that’s no fun.
Amron
I know. He says it’s important though. He says it’s for my own good.
Hayden
What could possibly be wrong?
Amros
You wouldn’t understand.
Amros came into view with Amya behind him.
Amron
I didn’t mean to talk to him, he approached me.
Amros
Quiet.
Amros turned to Hayden.
Amros
How can I help you, sir?
Hayden stood up.
Hayden
I’m going to kill you. All of you.
Hayden moved forward. Hayden flew backwards into the tree and it split in half from his weight. Amya ran forward and tried to touch Hayden and placed her hand on the tree instead. It turned into stone. Hayden jumped into the trees and landed behind Amros.
Hayden
That won’t work again.
Hayden’s body stood there despite the wind blowing fast passed him.
Amros
How is it you still stand there?
Hayden
I’ve made myself too heavy for you to move.
Amron
Stop!
Hayden, Amros, and Amya fell to their knees clutching their heads.
Amron
No, no, no, I’m sorry!
He fell on the floor and closed his eyes. Hayden stood up before Amros and Amya.
Hayden
You may stop now. I mean you no harm. My actions were only to see what you were capable of.
Amron
I didn’t mean to!
Amros stood up.
Amros
Who are you?
Hayden
I am Hayden Olymny, prince of the elf race.
Amron
Please don’t tell momma.
Amya
What is an elf?
Hayden
It’s a race aside from your own.
Amros and Amya walked towards Amron.
Amros
I am Amros, this is my sister Amya, and that is Amron.
Hayden smiled.
Hayden
I’ve already met Amron. He is quite a child. It would seem all three of you are, for your ages.
Amron began to cry.
Amros
Stop crying!
Amya
It’s okay Amron, we’re okay.
Amros
He’s not allowed to use that power.
Hayden
I’ve never met any humans in my life, but from what I’ve gathered in our libraries of books on your kind, you’re without power. I may be incorrect, but I do not believe you’re human.
Amros
It doesn’t matter to us either way. We’re family, and that is all.
Hayden
Well said.
Amya
Would you like to meet our mother?
Hayden
Are you sure I wouldn’t be a bother?
Amros
We’re sure. Mother will be happy to meet another person with special abilities. We have kept to ourselves for so long afraid of being condemned for what we are. It’s very comforting to meet someone else who is different.
Hayden
I don’t want to intrude uninvited by your mother.
Amron
Come, please?
Amron wiped his eyes.
Amron
Momma will love you.
They began to walk.
Hayden
I’m sorry about earlier, I did not want to harm you in any way.
Amros
It’s okay, we won’t hold that against you.
Amya
Be best not to tell mother though.
Hayden
Right.
They approached the little brown house at the end of the forest. Hayden stood in front of Amber Anselia.
Amber
It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Olymny. I do apologize for the state of my home. I was not aware my children would be bringing company.
Hayden
No need to apologize Mrs. Anselia.
Amber
You can call me Amber, sir. Children, off to bed.
Amber smiled and motion for the chair. They both sat at the table while Amron, Amros, and Amya went to their room.
Amber
Forgive me, I haven’t had company over since Amros was born. Those days have long passed.
Hayden
You’re afraid of the other humans?
Amber
Yes, yes I am. They don’t know what it’s like to be different. They’ve been burning up others lately calling them witches. It scares me. I can't let them know what my babies are.
Her voice began to rise.
Amber
They’d think of my children as freaks.
Her grip on her cup tightened.
Amber
My children aren’t freaks, Mr. Olymny. They are special, that’s all. I want to be able to let them have friends and allow them to go to school but that’s just out of the question. They’d be teased and ridiculed by their peers. This just isn’t a place for them, let alone a world.
She took a sip of her drink.
Amber
It’s either this or be hung on their gallows. I don’t know what scares me more, death, or the fear of being found.
Amron walked into the room and hugged his Amber. Suddenly her upset face turned into a smile.
Amber
See, he has the power to make people happy with the touch of his hands.
Hayden
Amazing.
Amber
They’d want to kill him for that, for making someone happy? What madness is that? I’d die before they touched my blood.
Hayden
You’re a strong woman. I dare say the first to raise three of your kind with unnatural abilities.
Amber
I’m just trying to make sense of what has been given to me. This is all I have and I won’t ask for more. I just want my family to be happy. I don’t want us dying for what we are.
Hayden
Yes, you’ve stressed that point.
Amber blushed embarrassed.
Amber
I’m sorry. I don’t mean to go on and on about the same thing. It’s just a rare opportunity to speak to another person who understands. You’d think of us to be a civilized people, but I wouldn’t bet my chickens on it. It’s not hard to understand, I think they’ve got it right, it’s accepting that they just cannot do. I don’t think humans will ever be able to do that. Understanding is not enough, it’s accepting that matters.
She kissed Amron on the forehead.
Amber
Go to your room.
Amron walked out of the kitchen.
Hayden
Would it be okay if I trained them?
Amber
Trained them for what?
Hayden
Their own good.
Amber
I don’t see why not. If the world is against them, they should know how to fight for themselves, should anything happen to me or their father.
Hayden
Where is their father?
Amber
He’s out doing business. He still has a connection with our village. Someone has to put food on the table.
Hayden
I understand. As I said, I’d like to train them. Teach them how to harness their powers.
Amber
I like that idea. My babies need to be strong.
She stood up and shut the curtains on the window.
Amber
Can you promise me something, Mr. Olymny?
Hayden
You can call me Hayden. What would you like me to promise you?
Amber
If anything happens to either me or my husband, can you take care of them?
Hayden
Of course, Amber.
Amron stood at the corner of the door watching Hayden and his mother speak.
Hayden
Well, I think I’ll take my leave now.
Amber
Where are you staying?
Hayden
I don’t know yet. I’m sure I’ll find somewhere.
Amber put her hand on Hayden’s shoulder.
Amber
You can stay here for the night. Our living room is room enough. My husband won’t be home for a week.
Hayden
Are you sure? I don’t want to intrude anymore.
Amber
I’m sure. Now go make yourself at home while I put Ron to bed. I have a feeling he’s listening to our conversation still.
They heard footsteps come from the living room.
Amber
I knew it. Goodnight, Hayden.
Hayden
Goodnight, Amber. Thank you so very much.
Amron got onto his bed without waking his brother and sister. Amber walked into the room.
Amber
Fast asleep already?
She sat on the edge of Amron’s bed.
Amron
No.
He said in a grunt.
Amber
Are you okay, baby?
Amron
I don’t know, momma.
She stroked his hair with her hand.
Amber
I’m here for you. What’s wrong?
Amron
You said, you said he’d protect us if you died. Why would you die?
Amber
Well I don’t know, Ron. There are plenty of reasons why anyone would die. You can’t outrun death, baby.
Amron
I will. It will never find me.
Amber
Really? You think you can do that?
Amron
If I wanted to.
Amber
Well, do you want to?
Amron
Yes!
Amros stirred in his sleep.
Amber
I don’t know if you’d want to, baby. Death isn’t such a bad thing. It’s the end of the road. After putting so much work into this life, it all ends. Think of it as sleeping forever. Once it comes, you never wake up again.
Amron sat up quickly.
Amron
But I don’t want sleep, momma. I want to be awake with you forever!
Amber smiled.
Amber
I know Ron, I know. Thing is, if you figure out how to outrun death, I won’t be able to follow you. What’s the point of living forever when you don’t have the people you love around you?
Amron
It works both ways, momma. What’s the point in living after those people are gone?
Amber
You’re a smart boy. With this start, there has to be an end, Ron. Don’t be afraid of the end of your life.
Amron
I can’t help it momma. Death’s never going to find me.
Amber
Well baby, it will find me.
Amron
What if you hide with me? Amros and Amya as well!
Amber
We can’t hide forever.
Amron
Yes we can!
Amber
It’s time to go to bed, Ron.
Amron
Don’t ever leave me.
Amber
I can’t make the promise. The flesh of me will be gone one day.
Amron looked down at his sheets.
Amber
It’s up to you to keep me with you. It’s up to you to remember me forever.
She stood up and extinguished the candle’s fire.
Amber
Goodnight. baby.
Amron
I love you, momma.
Amber
I love you too, baby. More than you’ll ever know.