I smiled rather softly as I watched him dig into the cherry pastry. It was his absolute favorite. The time spent at the cafe was calm and seemed to go by a whole lot faster than it actually did. He liked his tea with honey instead of sugar which I found a little cute. Then Sherry, one of the waitress', had chatted with his as per usual and like many others seemed to just automatically assume that I was his father. Not that I minded at all. It was just a little amusing to me. He loved to talk with pretty much everyone. Talking with Mrs. Vaudry and her husband who happened to be having their 50th anniversary that day had seemed to entertain him for awhile as he was very interested in how they had found their love for eachother and made it work for so long.

Then after that we had as stated before visited the bakery, before we ended up in the park where he was now very greedily devouring his little treat. The cherry filling oozed out onto his carefully placed napkin and at which point he even licked that off. That made me chuckle though I half expected that outcome anyway. He paid me no mind though as he finished it off. He seemed pretty satisfied after it was gone, but I wouldn't doubt he'd take another if I offered.

"Happy?"

He looked up at me and grinned. That little action made me feel like I was doing something right. He nodded.

"Yep."

The day was rather warm. Not cold in the slightest, but not so hot it was unbearable by any means. The sun was blocked out most of the time, rarely getting to peek out from behind the gray. Birds were chirping happily and people were walking their dogs around the park. Occasionally stopping and talking to each other while their dogs curiously examined the other. The wind would move the tree branches if ever so slightly from time to time. Little squirrels chattered away as they gathered food they would no doubt lose within the next 24 hours. The child was humming softly with a large smile on his face as he took in the day.

"How do you feel about visiting the bookstore today?"

"Can we?"

I simply nodded and he jumped up.

"What are we waiting for? Lets go! Lets go!"

Then we were off. He was always three steps ahead of me as he knew the way without me having to lead him. I didn't bother telling him not to go too far ahead. He already knew and that gave me no reason to worry. He was smart and attentive and careful when the situation called for it and all that put me the slightest bit more at ease. Even as he was in the door before I could get there. I knew he'd be waiting on the other side and I was not disappointed when I entered.

"Can I go look now?"

"Yes, go ahead."

Then he was off into the forest of shelves and books.

"Energetic as usual I see." Mr. Leaves chuckled from behind the counter.

"Yeah, he wears me out sometimes, but it's worth it to see him so happy." I took a seat in front of the old man as I waited for him to return with his latest findings.

"Even in this time of hardship and conflict it's good to know someone can find happiness. It gives the rest of us hope."

"I know what you mean. Trust me."

"You've seemed a little under the weather lately."

"This mess with the rebels has been putting a bit of a strain on things for me lately much like everyone else. Nothing special. How's the bookstore holding up? I noticed that the economy's been slowing down at a steep rate lately."

"We're getting by. If only more people would be less afraid to leave their homes then things would be a little easier. It's regulars like you and your kid that keep us afloat though."

"Well it's good to know we're helping someone in this rough time."

He just nodded and we had a moment of silence before he broke it.

"How was he last night? It got pretty loud from what I heard though I didn't hear a thing. I can sleep through anything." He gave an airy chuckle.

"Poor kid was pretty shaken last night. Hid under the bed until I got there." I shook my head. "How's Patty doing by the way?"

"Better. The surgery turned out fine and she should make a full recovery, but she's definitely going to need a little help from time to time whether she believes it or not. She's my daughter and I love her, but she's stubborn just like her mother."

"It's good to know things are turning out ok. Too bad her car didn't. It looked expensive."

He just laughed. That was when my beloved doppleganger came back, several books in his grasp.

"Look what I found." He grinned happily and I pulled out my wallet while he shifted them onto the countertop while the old man started to check them out.

"So do you know which one you want to read tonight when we get home?" I asked as I paid and put the change back into my wallet before picking up the books for him.

"I wanted to decide with you."

He was out the door with a skip in his step. I was just about to follow when the old man called to me.

"You should slip in some time to rest, Arthur. I know things are tough in the economy right now, but you shouldn't work yourself to exhaustion like this anymore."

Giving the oblivious human I had befriended my best smile I headed out. The child was grinning widely and I hated to destroy that smile.

"Before we head home we need to take you to get a haircut."

"What? Do I have to?" The smile slipped and I felt like something inside me broke.

"Soon you're not going to be able to see." I reminded and he looked down.

"Ok…"

We just stood on the street corner. He looked so upset. How could I just go and ruin his day like that? He was so happy before. Now I felt horrible and I hated myself. I sighed.

"We can do it another day I suppose."

"Really?" He perked up immediately.

"Yes, just quit frowning."

His usual grin came back and we were off down the street and toward home where we went through the ritual where I did minor tasks while I read through as much of the chosen book I could before night fell where I would reread the book to him while he curled up and listened happily.

Despite the day's moderately cheery demeanor it turned out to be a ploy and I found that out late into the night. A loud crash sounded followed by my name being called out in terror. I was down the hall in an instant. This time he was hiding under his covers. This would be easier on me at least. I sat down on the bed rather tiredly.

"England?"

I set a gentle hand on the quivering figure. He slowly peeked his head out. More tears. My heart ached for him. I really didn't have the energy to stay up all night again. I knew I wouldn't last. But I couldn't just pass out when he needed me most.

"Come on, kiddo. You can sleep with me in my bed tonight, alright?" I gave him a soft smile and he shakily shifted out of bed.

We walked down the hall to my bedroom, my arm around him, and him glued to my side. He whimpered and sniffled and I did my best to console him. Once I was sure he was settled in my bed I crawled in with him. He nuzzled into my chest and I held him tight.

Just trying to get in as much writing as I can before I go back to my minimum wage job... oh sigh I don't want to work I want to write and sleep and eat chips all day, but I can't...My 24 hours of freedom is up at 10 which is like 8 hours from now... I am going to be so tired tomorrow. Thanks for reading and I will try not to take a month before I update this. I know like four chapters nearly at once won't make up for a month so I'll do my best to update again tomorrow after work or the next day.