Another chapter of the tale of mystery.
FAMILY SECRETS
A HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE FANFIC
Chapter 58
We appeared a few days before father died. I made sure to put us a short distance away from the shop. I didn't want to anyone to see us! That would have changed history. Which worked, except for the fact that I didn't know exactly when we were. I had a general idea, but I could off by days or weeks. We needed to find out, but neither my sisters or myself could go and find out. We would be recognized on the spot. Even Howl might even be recognized. He had quite the reputation. One that he had built up meticulously. People were honestly afraid that he would eat their hearts. That really wasn't helping right now. Assuming that it ever helped anyone other than Howl. My husband was an idiot! No, he couldn't go. He would draw attention to himself. Which was exactly what we were trying to avoid.
The one who was least likely to be recognized was Ben Suliman. He didn't frequent these parts in this time period. So no one would recognize him. He would be just another face in the crowd. He would not stand out if he wore nice clothes and kept his mouth shut. Ben was also conveniently defending the castle at the time. He hadn't left it since Witch of Waste tried to entice him away. Either that or he was already a prisoner. Something that I am sure Ben didn't want to think about. However, for our purposes it was perfect. Since, there was no chance of running into his younger-self right now. Which was another possibility with Howl. His younger-self was very active in town. He was likely to run into him. So Suliman was nominated to go. Not that the man really wanted to. He just didn't have a choice. He was just out voted.
We waited for him to return for what seemed like hours. It was really boring just standing here in the shadows. It was also nerve wracking. I needed to know if this was right time! Eventually, Ben returned looking a bit bewildered. When pushed for details he didn't want to give him. Only that this wasn't the right time. He wouldn't say what happened though. It was frustrating! I needed to know how close I was!
My best guess is that we were close, but maybe a week or two away. I remembered Fanny describing a nobleman entering the shop one day not long before his death. Ben could give off that air. He tended to dress nicely anyway. Since we dressed him up like a nobleman she was fooled. It would also mean that it was a red herring all along. Ben never harmed my father. He would never do that. That man had nothing to do with my father's death. The answer laid elsewhere.
I picked up the talisman then focused on a time not long from where we were. I told the thing. This is not the right time. Please, move us forward a week, maybe two. Move us to when father was bedridden! Just as we started to vanish I saw father in my peripheral vision. I couldn't do anything at that point. The magic was already activated. I just smiled at him as we vanished. When we reappeared a week or two later I didn't say anything about what I saw. It best not to tell them that I saw him. It only make things worse. This was going to be painful enough without that.
"Is this the right time?" Martha asked.
I nodded. "It should be. I was close before. Just not close enough. It should be time."
This time we nominated Howl to check to see if the shop was closed. It was closed during father's illness. He should be able to find out relatively easy if it is time or not. So, we waited and waited. Eventually, he came back and told us that it was time. "I asked around. It seems that your father is very ill. I also saw a doctor hurry out of the shop. It's got to be the right time."
With that we headed towards the shop. It wasn't hard for us to get in. A silly key would never stop a wizard. Bewitching Fanny was also easy. Howl simply told her to get some rest and forget about us. She turned on her heels and went to bed in my old room. We did not hear from her again. I saw Martha shoot Howl a dirty look, but he ignored her. Fanny couldn't know that we were here. It was the only way to ensure that. I didn't care for it myself, but I understood why. It was better that Fanny stay out of this. She wouldn't want to be involved. This would only disturb her even more and cause ripples throughout time. For we were never here. Not originally at least. She can't know that we were here.
I knocked on father's door then entered after a moment. I saw him there, struggling to breathe and I wanted to cry. The end was near. I sat down beside him then called out to him. At first he didn't respond then suddenly he looked at me! He whispered my name. His face spoke of surprise and joy. He did not expect me home. Nor did he expect my sisters either. He was confused for a second then understood when he saw both Howl and Ben. We were from the future. Here to visit him in his last days.
We sat with him for what felt like hours. There were so many things that I wanted to say. So much that we all wanted to say. We told him that we loved him and that we missed him. We also told him that we were doing fine and not to worry about us. Whether he understood what we were telling him I don't know or not. I do know that father kept going in and out of consciousness. He barely talked and he didn't focus on anything for too long. He was ready to leave this world! It hurt so much to see him this way. So far away from the man that I knew and loved. I wanted to help, but I couldn't. This was our past. He had died long ago. I couldn't change that no matter how much I wanted to. I had to leave it be. That was the one of the hardest things that I had ever done. It tore me apart.
Howl eventually pulled me aside and told me that they had taken his pain. My father shouldn't suffer too much anymore. I didn't even notice them casting magic. It tells you how upset I was. I wasn't even paying attention!
"Thanks, Howl."
I was truly grateful to my husband. He didn't have to do that. Nor did he have to stay by my side quietly. He just did for my sake. Just as Ben stayed by Lettie's side. He just held her hand as she spoke to father. It really was quite sweet. I think father was right about him. He will make a nice addition to our family. Finally, it was time to go. We couldn't stay much longer without affecting the course of events. We had to leave before Fanny woke up or Father died. There was nothing that we could do for him now. We had to go.
As we were leaving Howl whispered into my ear. "I doubled checked everything, Sophie. There is no curse. This is what was supposed to happen. I'm sorry, Sophie. I shouldn't said what I said."
I gave him a brave smile which provably slashed at his heart. "It's okay Howl. You really didn't know." I took a breath. "Let's just go." Howl nodded and released Fanny from his spell and we hurried out the house before she woke. Finally, I used the talisman to take everyone home.
Next Chapter coming up!