It's Eren Week! Sept 27-October 3rd! This is for the third day (Sept. 29, 2015). The prompt is: Mother


"Mom! Mom!"

A tiny Eren runs into the room, eyes wide as he holds out a jar, a gap-toothed grin as he presents it to his mother.

Putting down the dishes, she turns to him, kneeling on her knees to see his discovery.

"Oh- Eren, why would you do that to them?"

The glee on his face turns to a pout, bottom lip quivering as he tries to understand his wrongdoing.

"Eren, look-" Carla takes the jar, uncapping it. "They want to be free."

Inside the jar, fireflies flutter out, flashing gently as they rise from their cage.

Even through his sadness, he watches in wonder.

-0-0-0-

"No living thing wants to be in a cage."

She presses a kiss to his forehead before getting up and opening the windows, the glowing insects slowly dispersing, their magic fading.

All of Eren's tiny mind fills with ideas of freedom as he watches them go.

"Mom, but aren't we inside a cage too?"

When she hears the question days later she's not sure what he means at first. It doesn't take long for her to realize.

Her lips press together as she looks out the window, the Wall peeking out from behind buildings.

"Yes. We are."

-0-0-0-

She can only blame herself when the light in Eren's eyes begs for freedom as he's hiked up onto Hannes's shoulder.


I hope this was good. I actually wrote this on midnight on the 25th, but I think it makes sense, and it's short and sweet.

But I'd love your feedback on it!

Reviews are appreciated!