As the afternoon faded, tomorrow dawned.
Rudy's eyes shimmered, tears staining the white covers of Roxy's bedsheets. His face was hidden under a pile of pillows. He knew he had it coming. Roxy's warnings echoed through his mind, clear as day. The forbidden thrill, the fruit of his desire laid waste on him. Yet he couldn't blame anyone but himself. The soft sound of mumbled sobs filled the room, in contrast to the comfort of the morning sun blanketing his body.
Roxy woke up from Rudy's muffled cries. Roxy felt a pang in her heart. No matter how heartbreaking it seemed, she understood why it was necessary. As a respectable figure, she had to protect him and his future.
Her eyes landed on his beautiful brown hair. She intended to calm him. Her hands gently rubbed his long brown hair as she tapped his back. She sang hymns to him—hymns from her hometown, a song her mother used when she was young.
Despite all that, Rudy wriggled under her gentle touch. Shaking it off with a weak tremble.
Roxy's heart jumped, but she understood, "Rudy, can we talk".
He peeked out of his pillows, his eyes big and puffy red, "I don't want to", he whispered, his words seemed squeezed.
"I know it's hard, but it's important," Roxy says in a gentle tone, showing her concern for him. Let's talk about it. "
After a long pause, Rudy lifted the covers revealing his red eyes. The soft pillows turned yellow from the stain.
Roxy pulled out a towel to wipe Rudy's tears. She sang her childhood hymns as his tears slowly died down.
Rudy sat up, wiping away his nose with the back of his hand, "Teacher Roxy… why do Mom and Dad hate me?"
Roxy was appalled, but continued to sit beside him, "You know Rudy, that's because your parents love you so much.". Rudy's mind broke hearing this.
Roxy continued, "They just did it because they only want what's the best for you. They want you to grow up to be a strong man, so listen to them".
"If they love me, then why do they yell at me?", his voice small yet filled with uncertainty.
Roxy took a deep breath, "You know Rudy, sometimes when grown-ups are scared and frustrated, they forget how to talk to each other. That's why when they caught you, they were scared. Scared at what you might become, that's why they yell. Sometimes, adults do things kids don't understand", she reminded him of yesterday.
Rudy was taken aback, his silence felt forever. He wiped off his nose and hesitated to talk more.
Seeing him hesitate, Roxy said, "Are you okay now?"
He mustered the courage, "I don't want them to be mad at me. I don't want them to be upset".
She gave him a soft smile and stroked his hair, "If you don't want them to get angry again, then listen.", her voice was calm yet carried a sense of warning.
Rudy nodded in agreement. He rested his head on her shoulder and said, "I wish you were my mom so I could do what I want".
Roxy's heart skipped a beat. She pulled him closer and gave him a simple hug. Her breath deepened as she said, "Rudy, I know what you feel but there will always be rules. Your parents will always be your parents. Rules allow us to grow."
Feeling his teacher's warmth, he said, "I don't want to grow up, I just want to be happy".
"Someday you will understand. The best way to be happy is to make your mom and dad proud", giving Rudy a faint kiss on his forehead.
Two days later, Roxy stood by the large stone fence early in the morning, her eyes hovered over little Rudy. He fidgeted, biting his lips as he groaned. Clutching Roxy's sleeve, he looked beyond what lies ahead.
Roxy smiled at him, "What about we try something new?", she asked, her tone caring and gentle.
Rudy's mind raced, "What do you mean?", he hid behind his teacher's legs as he froze.
"Why don't we go outside for a moment? I'll be with you I promise", as the sound of children filled the air.
Rudy whispered, "I don't want to", and didn't move an inch, he clutched her sleeve tighter.
"Rudy, I know what you feel like. You don't have to take it all by yourself, I'll be with you.", she said softly.
"Are you ready?", Roxy lowered himself to Rudy's height
With a hesitant nod, both of them finally went outside.
The smell of fresh air, the fluttering sound of trees, and children's laughter. With each step, Rudy was enveloped by a sense of unknown territory. His comfort zone was just a few steps away yet it felt like a thousand. His hands carefully gripped her sleeve.
Roxy continued to look at Rudy, his confusion and fear. She could feel it all, "Rudy, just look forward."
After minutes of walking, both of them sat on a bench nearby. As the wind blew, an old man came and greeted them.
"Hello, Miss. Roxy", the old man said, "I'm always grateful to you. We farmers extend our gratitude to you! Without your help, we might have to bend our backs day and night."
Roxy smiled, "I'm also grateful to you Mr. Ken. It is also thanks to your produce that we manage to cook delicious meals each time". She tried to flatter him.
Mr. Ken couldn't help but ask, "Is he your son?".
Roxy shook her head, "No, he is my student. His name is Rudeus. He's Paul's son".
"Ohhh! it's him. I've never seen the boy before. He indeed looks like his father but… doesn't he seem too short for his age? My kids are younger but they are taller than him. Do they even feed him?", he looked as if trying to piece out a puzzle.
Roxy, in her usual friendly tone, said, "Some things are just supposed to be", she just laughed. 'Do they even feed him? Is that a question?', her heart turned bitter as she clenched her jaw.
After Mr. Ken left, she looked at Rudy.
His eyes seemed to be awfully focused on Rudy. 'Did I do something wrong? I didn't say anything', Rudy thought.
Unable to hide it, he said, "Teacher, who was that?"
She calmed down as soon as she heard Rudy speak, "It was Mr. Ken, he's a farmer. He helps grow the tasty food we eat.".
"Did I do something wrong, why did he look at me like that?", his mind couldn't process whatever gaze that man was giving.
Roxy, seeing where this was going just calmly said, "Nothing, just leave it at that. No more questions about him, got it?", to where Rudy just nodded.
Roxy shifted her attention, motioning him to follow her, "Anyway, let's continue walking".
After a while, the scenery changed, as they walked through countless homes. Each one is unique, in its own way. Some were small, another was wide, and a few stood taller than the rest. As they walked further, many people, including children thanked her.
Rudy carefully observed, his eyes focused on every person they met. Not missing every detail as their respect for Roxy didn't wane. He watched as the smiles and laughter of everyone they met grew.
As they neared a field, a farmer stopped by and said, "Miss Roxy, thank you for the digging spell! The harvest will be better this year.". He let out a gentle smile, a smile born from gratitude.
Another man said, "Miss Roxy, thank you for your water spell last week, it's always hard to find a water supply.", he gave Roxy a huge basket full of corn.
Rudy trailed behind her, watching in awe how everybody seemed to admire his teacher. He looked back, seeing their tired yet smiling faces, and he said, "Teacher… why does everyone know you?"
Roxy looked at him, his nervousness slowly fading, "That's because I help with things that are hard to do on their own", she explained. "Sometimes, magic is there to help people. With mana flowing in us, we are able to do things others cannot. That's why we should help make their lives easier for them".
As they walked further, a group of children could be seen in the distance. Their laughter echoed, catching his attention.
'It looks like they're having fun', he thought.
"Do you want to play with them?", Roxy said, her tone encouraging.
Rudy shook his head, "I don't know them yet…", he said, though his unease wavered each moment.
She reached down to his level, "You didn't know me when we first met.", she reminded him, "You were still friendly to me even when it was our first time. Sometimes, we only need to take the first step". Her smile reached to her ears.
Rudy's glanced at the children and then back to her, "Can we do it later?", trying to make up an excuse.
"Alright", she as she stood up.
They continued down the path, and Rudy began to notice things in ways he hadn't. The warmth of the sun hitting his face, the mysteries that lie beyond his doorstep, and the cheerful gaze of the villagers softened his natural fears. It wasn't as scary as he imagined.
As they passed through the bakery, an old lady came and greeted them, "Hoi, Miss Roxy, who's thing young man?", she walked with her long cane.
"This is Rudy", Roxy replied, tapping his back, "Paul's son",
The old lady seeing him was shocked, "Well young man, if you ever need a treat, just stop by my shop. We'll have something sweet for you".
"Th—thank you", he stammered as he nodded his head.
Roxy looked at him at the corner of his eyes, his steps grew lighter. 'All it takes is a little push', she thought with pride. She didn't say anything, letting the kindness soak through him like an empty sponge.
By the time afternoon rolled around, Rudy felt a small, unfamiliar spark in his chest—He looked at the large tree and flopped down. Letting out a carefree laugh.
Maybe the outside wasn't that bad after all.