Another chapter of the tale of mystery.

FAMILY SECRETS

A HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE FANFIC

Chapter 25

The next time that I woke up I found myself in our bed. I had no idea how we got here or how long I had been out. I was alone for the moment, but that quickly changed. Howl showed up mere minutes after I first stirred. I could see worry on his face.. His tone suggested that he was at his breaking point. Instantly, I felt awful about what I put him through. "Finally, you're awake."

I smiled at him. "Howl!"

He sat down beside me then helped me sit up. "Slowly, don't try to move too fast."

I tried to do as my husband asked, but it was hard. I felt absolutely horrible. "How? How long?"

"That you've been asleep? About a week. Damn scared the hell out of me too. What the hell were you thinking? You really know how to overdo it, Sophie. You have to take better care of yourself!"

"Sorry."

"Thanks to you, I have been stuck with all the people you summoned. Between our doubles and your relations I've just about gone mad! They can't leave. Since they need you to send them home. They just keep crowding the place!"

"I'm sorry!" I nearly yelled. "It's not like I intended for all this!"

"Of course you didn't. You never think things through!" He bit back.

"Says the man who drives a death trap you call a car!"

"Don't make fun of my car! It's a classic."

"Rust Bucket, you mean!"

"It's a classic!" He yelled right back at me.

I couldn't help it. I started to laugh. It was so nice to argue with him again. Up till that moment I didn't realize how much I had been holding back. Now it washed over me in a flood. Tears flowed as I continued. I just so relieved to see him again.

He stopped yelling and asked, "Sophie?"

"Thank you." I managed to croak out. "Thank you so much!" He took my hand then said my name again. "I missed you so much! I thought that I would never see you again!"

He chuckled, "Now, who's fault is that?"

I tried to stop crying. "I know. I know. I just can't help it." He kissed me then told me to get some rest. I heard him cast the sleep spell before I fell asleep again.

The next time I woke I found my mother sitting by my bedside. Howl was nowhere in sight. I wondered where he was. He usually stayed by my side when I was like this. "Good morning." She said.

"Good morning." I replied. "What time is it?"

"Early." When I looked around for Howl, she explained. "Your husband's sleeping in another room. You were so weak that someone needed to watch over you. He wanted to do it, but he couldn't. It was nice that he created extra rooms for us and wanted to take care of you, but he was too tired to keep going. Since he had to create extra rooms for all of us to stay in he just added one for himself. I'm glad he took my suggestion. Poor boy doesn't seem to like to be bothered much." That made sense. Howl didn't like having people hover over him.

I nodded. "He really likes this space."

Mother chuckled. "Yes he does, but he likes you more." I blushed as mother continued, "He's a little strange, but he's a good man. He's taken care of you all this time. That little boy of yours too. He would have overworked himself if we hadn't stepped in."

"Thanks."

"Don't worry about it. I'm glad to take care of my grandson. Besides it gives me something to do. It's kind of boring when you're stuck here!" I looked at her in surprise then I apologized. "Stop it. I don't mind. It's fun seeing that young lad of yours chafe under pressure. I don't think that he does well in crowds."

I chuckled, "He doesn't. He really hates them. Particularly in his home."

She laughed. "Which exactly what we thought! Oh my, I've never seen a wizard panic so much!"

I couldn't help but join in. "That's my Howl! Doesn't like people no matter what he says."

She patted me on the arm. "Don't worry. We'll be out of his hair soon. Once you feel a little better you can send us home."

Suddenly, I felt a pit in my stomach. I realized that they would have to go back. None of them could stay here. Mother, father, and Mrs. Penstemmon all had to go back. Their deaths were already established. I could not alter my timeline but keeping them here. They had to go back to where they belonged. I was going to have to say goodbye soon.

Next Chapter coming up!