And so it was as the setting sun looms over the horizon that so did the dreams came. Subtle and faint at first much like an afternoon breeze it starts till eventually lull within its tight embrace. That it slowly grew some traction in that its warm embrace soon grew even tighter. As from all around the images slowly grew ever more pressing as much as it was growing darker with each passing moment. Wherein it slowly took hold of not only his mind but his heart. As from the distance, the voices came ever stronger as much as it had clearer to some extent. Shifting from what one would recognize as light chatter to the howling cries of pain or laments of rage. Seem as if from all around it felt as if the very ground beneath his feet had slowly opened up to threaten to swallow him whole.
Which at that point as cold sweat slowly trickled down his brow and his breath shifted to seem to emulate his all but racing heart. As he then was jolted out his slumber, with eyes wide open as it stared blankly at the wall before him. At which time before he ever knew it he felt it. The warm loving embrace encompassing his very form followed by soft kind reassuring words.
"Its all right...it was all just a dream...nothing more."
At which time only by then that his breathing began to grow fainter as much it was calmer while his eyes zero in towards the voice. As faint gentle smile came across his face along with glint of recognition of seeing who it was holding him tight.
"I guess...your right mother...it was just all a dream...nothing more."
It was then felt the grumbling sound of his empty stomach as it churns back to life and seems been an all too sobering reminder. Of where he was and of the rags that seem draped over his slightly built form. As in more ways than none that it was all but growing all too apparent that where once was a boy now slowly but truly had been become a man in his own right. Yet still despite all this the boy that he seemed never far away whenever these flight of darkness seems took hold of him. WHich for all accounts haven't for quite some time. That for him it all but seem nothing more than a distant memory...told or retold like old tales by the campfire by either the old or womenfolks. As sort of faint jest or reminisce of old days that all but gone by... at which time this was at he 'd hope or thought was all but past him. Especially now that his 18th birthday was all but here and came to pass. As by then with a faint smile on her face, she then came foward to lift a hand and began gently stroke his head. Kiss his forehead lightly before slipping both hands to cusp both side his head while keeping a steady gaze into his eyes.
"As it should be ... beside...if...if your father was here I know he would be so proud see his little boy. All but grown up into the man he should or very least hope to have fought bravely for."
It was then with a single tear course thru the side of her left cheek that was all that one could see to gage. How much deep those words were as well the pain she still felt to even begin to utter those words. For this much was true as young Phil knew of or about his father...that he was brave and true when they said he loved her so as equally as he loved his son. That he'd taken a spear thru his heart and still fought well hard to make sure that they were safe. Sacrifice his life as he did...for love...that knew no bounds and that seems only death could break apart. At any rate, silently wipe the tear from her eye she then gave him a sweet and gentle smile before pushing the thought along with the pain that day brought her. As far and deep she could as seem not wish to dampen the day...his day while uttering with a kind gentle tone that he'd all but knew her.
"Now off with you ...as those breadlines aren't gonna serve themselves you know. And if anything is sure Dan would appreciate the bit of help."
It was then from the distance a stray bold of lighting could be felt along with deep roar crackle to which she adds. Just as he seems eagerly took off towards the distant alleyway that she adds.
"But just the same you hurry back home soon you're done... as it seems storm coming and I wouldn't be able to stop worry myself silly if you weren't here ...son."
It was then upon hearing this he pause turn round towards her and with a smile wave before speaking.
"I will...mother."
And it was then that it took all the heart or restrain that she could muster not shed a tear yet again. As in the back her mind one thought to prevail along with a memory of his walk off in the distance. Given her the same gaze and smile... '...forgive me...know that no matter what we shall see each other again...'
To be continued...