" I'm sorry, now doesn't seem to be a good time, so... Uh... I'll just be on my way."
"Nonsense!" The chief bellowed happily. "Come on in!" Henka had no choice but to comply. As he entered, he nearly stepped on RonRon, who had been sleeping in the entrance. The koala otter blinked twice, yawned, and leaped out of the way, chattering.
"Now, sit down. It's fine, It's fine. Would you like some silver tea?"
Henka shook his head. He knew from a past experience silver tea was just hot water. If anything, it was worse than cold water, Which in this land, usually came in the form of shiny, white lumps. He stifled a sigh, and stared at the floor. This had to be the most awkward situation ever. The happy couple didn't seem to think so, however. They seemed quite at ease, although his Grandmother knew something was not quite right.
"Henka, I know something is bothering you. You are worried about your responsibilities today, I believe."
"Y... yes Grandma. If something goes wrong, I don't think I'd ever be able to live with myself. I don't know how to explain it. But you understand... right?"
"Of course. I know exactly how you feel, I am a healer after all. In its base form, your fear is that something bad will happen and it will be your fault. Look out of the window- do they look as though they worry?"
She nodded towards the door, and Henka tentatively walked towards it. Outside, he could see a group of young children, laughing and playing. In their hands, they all held buckets- today, they would venture under the ice for the first time. They would fill the buckets with mussel squid, which they would share with their families. It was true- they had no worries.
"You see? Who knows what might happen. Something might. But it also might not. You have to take that chance in life. All these children are so exited- Naivety is not a bad thing, Henka. Just know that not everything falls down to you. Your father and teacher will both make sure nothing goes wrong."
Her words made sense, and Henka took strength from them. He smiled self consciously, and began to stand up to leave. The chief winked.
"Always take the chances you can whilst your still young enough! That's what I always say. Bwahahahaha."
The chief laughed for a good few minutes, and the boy felt his small smile turn into a huge grin. Chief Seok really was a great guy. Maybe it wasn't so weird after all, that he was in love with his Grandma. They seemed happy. And now, Henka knew- thanks to them- that he was ready to face whatever the day could throw at him. He was not going to mess it up.
