Spring time in Emelka was always welcomed by its inhabitants who've braved through the long, frigid winter. As the sun rose above the hillside, the small valley town slowly came to life. Pillars of light smoke rose from a few of the town's chimney. The townsfolk started to fill the streets, all making their way towards their daily chores. Among the bustle of the shop keepers who were trying to peddle the wares on display, one building seemed to attract a growing number of people. Sitting on top of a hill overlooking the majority of the valley was a well-sized inn, fit with an outside patio that connected to a restaurant on the ground floor. Being one of the town's most renowned eateries, the inn flocked a good amount of regular customers every day.
As people started to enter the dining room, they received a hearty welcome from a rather portly man smiling from behind the counter, obviously the owner of this establishment. One of the men walking in raised his hand and yelled at the owner.
"Alibert! It's so good to see you!"
Alibert turned his attention to the man and responded "Fai, so glad you're finally over that cold. You feeling better?"
"With winter gone, I feel like a new man. Being sick really gave me a craving for your stew."
"Well then you're in luck. I wouldn't want to disappoint my favorite cust-" Their conversation was cut off by a loud crash coming from the kitchen. "Give me one moment." Alibert said before turning towards the double doors from which the distress came. As soon as Alibert burst into the kitchen, his eyes squinted slightly as he released a heavy sigh of disappointment.
"YUGO!" he yelled towards the stairs leading up to the next floor.
A loud thud could be heard upstairs, followed by the sound of frantic feet making their way to the kitchen. A half startled, still half asleep eight year old boy came down the stairs. Adorned on his head was a blue hat, fitted with small horn-shaped pockets above his ears, and a hood that stretched down near the back of his ankles. Rather big and impractical now, but he'd grow into it. Due to his age, he was only slightly taller than the hat he wore, but ever since he was found in the woods as an infant, he wore it every day.
Yugo stared at Alibert who had his eyes closed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Yugo looked at Alibert's arm, which was pointing toward the opposite side of the room, and followed it to its target. Sitting on the counter was Yugo's pet tofu, lying in a giant mess of flour and pieces of a broken clay vase. The boy quickly ran over to the mess and cradled his pet, checking if it was injured. Free from any scars, but dizzy and covered in white powder, the little bird chirped and flew on top of the boy's hat, leaving some white powder on his hat and part of his face. Yugo smiled, looking up at his friend, relieved that it was okay. However, they both flinched at the booming voice coming from behind them.
"Yugo, how many times have I told you that pests don't belong in the kitchen?"
Yugo turned around slowly, to meet the gaze of the adult who was staring right at him with eyes filled with rage. "B-but dad, I-"
"How many times have I had to clean up after that feathery annoyance as he slowly dismantles my business?!" Alibert was making motions with his hands as his voice became louder, starting to make Yugo's eyes fill with water.
"H-his name is Az..." Yugo said, taking a few steps back towards the counter as he was looking at the ground in shame.
"It doesn't matter what his name is! He's a tofu, and wild animals belong outside!" Alibert quickly stepped forward, grabbed the bird from atop Yugo's head, and throws it out the nearest window, slamming the shutters closed.
Yugo's eyes were filled with tears, moments away from crying as he reached his arm towards the window, only to be slapped by Alibert. "And after you clean up this mess, I want you to spend the rest of the day in your room!" Alibert said pointing his finger first at the mess, then at the stairs.
"Why would you do that? He was my friend. It was just an accident."
"I don't care! He isn't allowed inside the inn at all anymore. And if I see him inside, we're going to be selling Tofu Stew!"
Yugo's pupils shrank at the thought of his best friend being cooked. Suddenly, he made a dash for the door, only to be stopped by Alibert grabbing his arm. "Get back here and clean this mess!"
Yugo spun around, tears flowing down his face as he pulled his arm free from Alibert's grip. "I'm going to go help my friend!" Yugo's voice began to crack. "I don't have to listen to you; You're not even my real dad! I hate you!" With that, Yugo turned and ran out the door towards the woods, crying.
Alibert was taken aback at Yugo's last statement, and lowered his arm to his side, sighing. Alibert knew that Yugo knew that they weren't related. Ever since he found Yugo in that basket on the edge of the woods, a day that is still a little foggy to him, he tried his best to be a good father to the child, and raise him as his own. He knew Yugo didn't mean what he said, and realized how harsh he must have sounded earlier. He would have to go after the eight year old later though. The sound of the crowd picking up in the dining room snapped him back to reality. He had an entire breakfast rush to attend to. Even though Yugo has played in the woods alone before, he could only hope he'd be okay. The stress of fear, and the disappointment in his own words would definitely set his mood for the whole day. Alibert took one last look out the back door before closing it, watching the small remnants of flour wisp though the air. He turned the fires up on the grill, and started gathering ingredients for his orders as a tear fell down his cheek.
[Author's Notes: Thank you all for reading my first story: "I'm Not Sorry". I decided how I should make this story a bit longer, by making it a few chapters. There is still things to tell from what happens to both Yugo and Alibert. Keep commenting on my stories so I know exactly what you guys like, want me to change, or what you'd like to see more of. For those who watched the show, I hope you picked up on that subtle pun I hid in there. This, and many puns to come are for you Samuel. Enjoy! Many thanks! -Jon1305]