"I'm sorry" Fate mumbled as her mother made slow strides towards her. "I'm sorry, mother," the girl repeated. Her mother continued to walk towards her with a cold gaze. "I keep failing," Fate admitted despondently. The girl shut her eyes tightly and screamed before the first blow could fall.
"Fate!" Fate heard a loud knocking. Her eyes snapped open. She stared up at a white ceiling. "Fate, are you all right?" Arf asked as she scrambled to Fate's bedside.
"What?" Fate sat upright, wiping the sleep from her eyes.
"Uh, sorry for barging in like that! I just heard sounds coming from your room and I got worried," Arf explained.
"Oh dear! Is everything all right?" Lindy turned the overhead light on as she entered the room.
"Why is everyone awake so late at night?" A half-asleep Chrono appeared in the doorway before Fate could answer.
"I was having a bad dream … again. I'm sorry for bothering everyone," Fate said sheepishly.
Chrono's expression softened. "Don't worry about it. Is there anything you want?"
Fate shook her head. Lindy gave a small nod to Chrono before sitting on the edge of Fate's bed beside Arf.
"Well, good night. Try to get some rest. You have a busy day tomorrow," Chrono said, returning to his own room.
"Good night, Chrono. I'll try."
"Would you like a glass of milk?" Lindy asked warmly as she rested her hand on Fate's.
"I can get it!" Arf quickly volunteered, scuttling out of Fate's room and down the stairs to the kitchen.
"Are you worried about your Enforcer exam tomorrow?"Lindy asked, still holding Fate's hand.
"A little," Fate admitted. "I've already failed twice … I don't want to disappoint you and everyone else again."
"Now, no one is disappointed in you. The exam is very difficult. Chrono told you he didn't pass the exam right away, either." Lindy rested her hands on Fate's shoulders, and leaned down so she could be at eye-level with the girl. "Everyone's supporting you, no matter what, okay?"
Fate nodded. "I just hope I can pass."
"Of course you can! You've been working so hard. And you're already one of the best mages around!" Lindy beamed with pride.
"Thanks, mother. But I don't know about being the bes—"
Lindy playfully tackled Fate onto her back, and began tickling the girl. "Yes you are!"
"Okay, I am the best!" Fate conceded through peals of giggles." Fate pushed herself up and tightly hugged her mother.
"It's been a while since I've heard you laugh like that, Fate." Arf wagged her tail as she handed a glass of milk to Fate.
"Is there anything we can do help you get off to sleep?" Arf asked.
Fate gave a small nod.
Fate and Lindy snuggled together on Lindy's futon. Arf in her puppy form slid in between them. A serene smile tugged at the corners of Fate's lips as she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.