After ripping open the package Rowen stared down at his lap.
There were a pair of mitten's dark blue with little white stars. He touched the yarn with his finger and smiled. Putting them on his hands he could see they were a little big for him, but he didn't want to say anything to his friend.
Rowen looked at Serenity "These are great! Thank you so much" he gave her a thumbs up, as he didn't want to hug her. Genichiro's abuse had made it where he no longer liked being touched.
Serenity gave her new friend a shy smile "I made them myself"
He looked at her in surprise. She had made these! He didn't think anyone so young could make anything like these. They were so warm and despite being slight big, they were perfect
"I don't have a television at home" she said quietly "So I read a lot and make stuff to pass the time"
She swung her bag over her shoulder
"Will I see you tomorrow?" She sounded hopeful
"Yeah I'll be here tomorrow" Rowen told her smiling then his face turned serious "Remember you can't tell anyone that we're friends okay? It has to be a secret"
Serenity looked a bit sad at his words, but simply nodded and with a wave left the library.
Rowen had enjoyed his new friends company that day and was saddened to see her leave. He figured that her parents must have wanted her home at a certain time and that was why she left. He looked down at the gift she had so thoughtfully made him.
The mittens were warm and they would be easy to hide. Genichiro only bought the minimal necessary clothing for Rowen.
He didn't seem to think that the child needed much and made him were the same clothes until they were either too small for Rowen or looking ratty.
Not feeling like getting new books to read without his friend there, Rowen re-read all the books they had read together.
He was happy that he had finally decided to give her a chance.
Now he had something to look forward to each and every day.
Although it had to be a secret, at least he had someone who cared about him and wanted to be his friend.
When the announcement came on that the library would be closing in ten minutes time, Rowen sighed and put his book on the shelf and looked at his hands which still had the mittens on.
Sadly he pulled them off and stuffed them in his pocket.
Heading towards the front doors he went outside and stood in the cold want waited for his father to show up.
When Genichiro arrived it was after dark and the library had long been closed. None of the adults noticed Rowen as they left as he had hidden himself in the shadows.
The little boy barely got into the car, before the older man took off driving.
Trembling in fear and knowing what was in store for him when they returned to the house, he put his seat belt on as quietly on as possible.
However when they got back to the house, Rowen got a surprise.
Genichiro was going out until late and he would be staying home alone.
Naturally there were rules he had to follow of course
Rule 1: Only eat and drink what has been set out on the table
Rule 2: Dishes go in the dishwasher
Rule 3: No watching television
Rule 4: No Computer
Rule 5: No using the phone
Rule 6: Stay in your room. You may only come out just before bed to do what you need to do in the bathroom.
Rule 7: Keep all the lights off.
Rule 8: Do not answer the door
Genichiro glared at the boy in the backseat "If I find you broke any of these rules boy, you will be one sorry little creature got it?"
The little boy nodded his head yes "Yes Father"
After dropping off Rowen and reminding him of the rules with dire consequences that would follow if they were broken, Genichiro took off.
Rowen went into the kitchen and was amazed to find a sandwich and a glass of milk waiting for him on the table.
Eagar to eat again since Serenity hadn't been able to sneak much in for him to eat lunch which she had apologized for until he told her not to worry, he went and washed his hands and sat down at the table.
The sandwich was nothing, but mustard and bread which he ate quickly as he was starving and figured the food was better than dog fit,
Once the sandwich had been eaten he took a sip of milk and nearly spit it out.
It was warm and who knew how long Genichiro had left it sitting out for him to drink.
Taking a deep breath and holding his nose, Rowen drank the milk quickly while all the while trying not to vomit the nasty tasting beverage.
After putting his dishes in the sink Rowen headed upstairs to his room.
Knowing what he was going to do was forbidden, but likely he would never be caught, he went into the bathroom and turned on the water and putting his face as close to the water as possible drank and drank the refreshing water until he could drink no more.
Later after being in bed, his mitten's hidden under the bed in the box springs he laid there thinking of what it had been like the time he spend in the dark basement, getting his freedom today and the events that followed.
He thought back when he had asked Serenity not to say anything about what had happened to him. She was the only witness and now his only friend.
Somehow and he didn't know why he felt that he could trust her to keep the secret.
He rolled over and fell asleep with a smile upon his face
