Before the Vision
Chapter 5: Family Defined
Days had past since the destruction of the lab and a few of the residents of the underground compound were slowly warming up to Shadow again. They were able to acknowledge his existence and even say a few words to the hedgehog, but Shadow could still sense a small fear within them. Other humans had chosen to completely ignore Shadow which was okay for the hedgehog for he eventually grew accustomed to it.
"Easier to fit in than to fight against it." the hedgehog mused.
He still spent most of his days at home with Maria, rarely going out with her on short trips around the compound. Although he was lacking in his social skills, Shadow began to increase his knowledge by going through books day by day. Most of which had belonged to Professor Gerald. All of this new information was fulfilling to the hedgehog but he still yearned for some communication with the humans.
One afternoon, Shadow was reclined on the couch reading an advance book. Maria and Gerald entered into the home with boxes in their arms. Shadow glanced up from the pages and watched the two as they set down the boxes near the kitchen counter.
"What's inside of those?" Shadow asked.
"Christmas decorations." Maria answered.
"What's Christmas?" Shadow sat up and closed the book he was reading.
"It's a holiday where families and friends get together and celebrate by eating dinner together and exchanging gifts…although this year we may not have many guests come by." Gerald answered reluctantly.
As Maria opened up one of the boxes Shadow came over and took a look inside. All sorts of decorations sat inside such as ornaments, lights, streamers, and tinsel for the Christmas tree. Shadow picked up and ornament inside and examined it. It was gold with silver decorations all over it. The hedgehog tossed it back and forth in his hands as Maria and Gerald watched him.
"And this is for…?" Shadow finally asked.
"The tree." Maria answered. "I'm not sure if we'll be able to get one this year…"
"Don't worry about it Maria. A good friend of mine from above ground should be able to bring one down to us in a few days." Gerald said.
Maria smiled at her grandfather and then at Shadow. The hedgehog was slightly confused by this new tradition.
"You two can set up a few decorations around here. I have some work I must return to." Gerald said before he left.
Maria opened up the other box and took out a few candles. She set them upon the coffee table and went back to the box but noticed Shadow staring at her.
"You want to help?" she asked.
"…Okay." Shadow replied timidly.
The two began to set up angel figurines and other small holiday knickknacks around the living room area. When all was finished Shadow noticed a few cards left at the bottom of the box. He took one out and read it silently.
"Your father and I miss you very much Maria. We hope to return home from our trip by Christmas, but if not then here's a card that should make up for our absence. We love you with all of our hearts.
Lots of love,
Mom and Dad"
Shadow turned and handed the card to Maria who was straightening out a few figurines. She looked down and took the card and read it. Her eyes began to glaze over after reading through the card.
"This was from my parents." she said in a small voice.
"What happened to them?" the hedgehog asked out of curiosity.
"They…they got into an accident on the way back home from their trip. Their plane crashed somewhere in the mountains…I was only five or six when this happened."
A few tears fell out of Maria's eyes and suddenly she felt a warm hand grab her hand. She looked down into Shadow's caring eyes and smiled at him.
"You'll be ok Maria." Shadow said to her.
Maria nodded her head and fell to her knees hugging the hedgehog. Surprised by this a bit, Shadow hesitated but eventually hugged Maria back patting her back gently. He finally realized how it felt to show compassion for someone. It felt very different than what he had experienced. To be on the giving end of sympathy rather than on the receiving end left a great feeling within him.
Slowly Shadow began to understand the dire need for the comfort of others and why rejection from society as a whole is never a good thing. He began to understand that with emotions, there will always be a need for someone who will accept you for who you are no matter what you've done. The hedgehog figured that the only ones who would do such a thing were a family. Shadow felt that he finally found that family…and they were Maria and Gerald.
"Maria…" he thought. "my sister."