I do not own anything nor do I make any money from this story. All rights apply.
AGAIN
"Reks?"
"Reks!"
Reks woke with a start, he had been dreaming of the day his father had died. The burial and his mother crying; she cried for so long. He remembered it clearly even though a month had passed. He had once been told that the pain in your heart would fade over time… but how was the pain to fade if he kept remembering? How much time had to pass? Months or years? Every time he remembered, would he have to start trying to forget again? And again…
"Reks."
It was Vaan, he stood next to the bed waiting for his brother to wake. The predawn light had yet to enter the quiet house and bring with it the desert heat of the Eastersands.
"What's the matter?" asked Reks sitting up. "Do you not feel well?"
"Something's wrong with mom," answered Vaan in a small voice.
Reks sat very still – not again, he pleaded.
"Reks?"
"I'm coming," he said and got out of bed.
He could hear Vaan's footsteps following as he made his way to their parent's room. The door was ajar; he pushed it quietly and peered through the gap. Their mother lay on the bed; the covers thrown to one side, her body slick with sweat. Reks recognised the sweet smell that drifted through the room. He knew what lay ahead and the inevitable end.
"Is mom going to die like dad?" asked Vaan from behind Reks.
Reks didn't know how to answer, what did he say? Should he tell the truth? Should he lie? Bear the new grief now or later? He wanted to lie to himself but said,
"Yes."
END