Fool
By: Song
Summary: Iruka keeps a candle lit for him.
A/U: Remember to Review!
It is late. The sun is preparing for sleep as it lays to rest in a bed of mountains. Trees' leaves rustle in a soft lullaby of natural life unadulterated and unaltered since the beginning. A wolf howls in the distance soon joined in harmony with his brothers and sisters of the pack. Old growth creaks as the scouts of wind sent by the impending monsoon season whip at a forest as old as the land. A low baying reaches the ears of a dark and man where the storm fights to enter his hearth and heart.
Inside the lights are dimmed and the bed unmade. A soft layer of dust is beginning to accumulate in certain areas of the home- something that would never happen if he were home. The dogs whimper, huddling close together, seeking solace where there is none. Here, the pack is broken. The house is silent and isolated from the storm both without and confined within.
With the movements of a man twice his age he wearily stands, joints popping in protest after little movement. A candle is removed from the cupboard and lit with trembling fingers. One hand shields the fledgling flame from the life stealing wind as he pushes open the door. Deftly he walks the meter or so to the lantern swinging from side to side. He steadies it carefully opening it and placing the candle inside. His arms grip his chest in a futile attempt to warm the chill from within.
He watches it for a moment as the little flame grows in confidence.
Perhaps, one day, he will light a final candle and let his heart rest from worry, and mourn.
But that day is not today- and as long as a candle is lit, then maybe, if he holds tight to a fool's hope, he can find a way home.
Fin