Chapter 21
…
Tai was standing outside, alone, and didn't mind that. His eyes fixed on that lonesome road, and truth be told, he wasn't even sure what exactly he was doing right now.
Waiting?
He knew better than that. It was too soon for her to come back.
Searching?
If he was, he was doing a terrible job at it.
Praying?
He wasn't really the type for that.
"Ruby…" He just whispered her name, and then felt that much too familiar twinge in his chest. One, which he knew to be worry mixed with sadness, but at least it didn't hurt as much as it used to. Or so it seemed at least, but he was absolutely sure it would never fade away completely.
Letting out a quiet breath, he finally noted it was colder again. Not a freezing cold, no, but just enough to make you shiver every once in a while. Hence, he was rubbing his hands together, his eyes locked on that lonesome road still. Most of his weight put on his front leg, as if he was about to take a step, but he never did. Instead, his face was awash with resignation, he inwardly, sadly smiled to himself, and weakly nodded sideways. A moment later, him hearing a familiar voice.
"Dad! Dad, I made us supper! So, stop standing around and come and join us, will ya!"
He heard her loud voice, and then furrowed his brows, puzzled.
Firstly, when did she notice he wasn't in his room at the moment? Secondly, supper? At 3 am in the morning? And lastly…lastly, he wanted to know why this odd, little gesture made him smile all of a sudden? He couldn't put it into words, and soon didn't care to. He just nodded to himself, his minuscule smile widening ever so slightly.
"Dad!"
"I'm coming!" He exclaimed, and then noted she waited by the door regardless. A moment later, him looking back to that…actually, he didn't look back to that lonesome road. Instead, he just marched forward, and didn't drag his feet behind him.
Stay safe, my little sunshine. But also do your best at whatever it is that you're trying to do.
I believe in you.