Chapter 2: The World's Ringing And Spinning
Fortunately, my- I mean, the Sunflower's newfound arms provides a distraction for the child. Though calling them arms wouldn't be quite right. They were vines, two per 'arm' wrapped in a DNA shaped pattern. A darker shade of green than the Sunflower's body, thick enough to likely carry the potted plant by themselves, and ending in familiar green leaves..
They were odd to say the least.
It didn't help that the kid was staring at them, it even made the Sunflower feel a little self-conscious.
"Is… is this normal?"
Uh… no. No it isn't. Then again, ever heard of a talking sunflower? I think normal was thrown away a long time ago for me.
The only acknowledgment the kid gives is the nodding of his head, while continuing to stare at the arms. Even when the Sunflower began to move them left and right, up and down. And all around. And around in a circle. And around again. And around. And aroun-
*Thud*
BWAHAHA, kid what are you doing?
Eyes spinning and hand to their head, the kid falls onto their butt.
"D-dizzy…"
HAHAHA!
The kid cracks a small, shy smile and the Sunflower laughs harder, glad that the mood has lightened.
*Ding Ding Ding*
Until the doorbell rang, putting a cold stop to the moment. The kid's depression quickly morphed from somewhat happy to worried, their wide big eyes staring at me.
"S-someone's at the front door?"
It was more phrased as a question than an answer, but, then again, the question was more unspoken. The arms of the Sunflower retract with a snap, returning back to regular leaves.
Let's go.
The kid starts shaking.
"B-but…"
Don't worry, we'll keep quiet and, if it looks like trouble, we can find somewhere to hide. I'll keep you safe, got it? Trust me.
A hesitant nod, a gentle lift, and the duo were off. The lights to the kitchen flicker for a moment as we enter the hallway, but all seems about the same.
Same vine plant on a table, with vines starting to climb up the wall,
same reddish-brown rug,
same creaky windows,
same vase on a-
On the ground.
Right.
That's a lot of blood. The kid doesn't stop walking though.
Hey. wait! You're gonna cut your feet on- oh, you're- you're wearing shoes. And you're wearing mittens. When did you…. Wait. I think I remember.
Past the small pool of blood on the carpet, is a trail of bloody footprints that continue straight for a bit, before suddenly turning to the left, straight to a door that's now closed. The basement door.
Oh. Ouch.
The kid stops at the door, staring at it with wet eyes.
The leaves of the Sunflower tug at the sleeve of the child's pajamas, before the Sunflower could even think about it properly.
Come on kid, deep breath. We'll have- We have a lot to deal with, but let's start with whatever's outside that door. Okay?
The kid stares at the plant for a moment, processing her words, before following the advice. With a deep inhale and exhale, the kid's shaking slows.
"I pro…"
Huh?
"I promise. I'll come back and help you, Mum. Wait here until then, okay?"
The kid was staring at the door again, eyes wet but no longer shaky. The Sunflower feels a shiver in her stem, though she's not quite sure from what. The wet eyes turn downwards, straight to the sunflower.
…
..
.
Heh, I can't keep the smirk off my face. Where did that come from? Well, if you're gonna say it, then you better keep it, ya hear!
With a wordless nod, the kid brings a sleeve up and wipes away the unshed tears. And, after a moment to take a breath, they take a step towards the front door.