I slowly walk back to where the women’s house is, that I entrusted Rosy with. I knock on the door. The women opens it. Rosy comes rushing out. I crouch down and she runs into my arms. I lift her up. “Thank you for watching her. Is there anything I can do to pay you back.

“no, no. Don’t be concerning yourself with that. I’m a dear friend of the Harleton’s. It was the most I could do to repay everything they did for me.”

“I’m very sorry for your lose.”

“Thank you dear” She closes the door. I walk toward the hill I figure leads from the village.

“Where’s my big brother?” I feel a hot tear roll down my check. “He’s not coming back is he?” I shake my head. “Oh.” I keep walking. “Your bleeding!” I reach for my neck and sure enough it’s still bleeding. She reaches for it.

“Don’t…” She touches it and it begins to glow. When the light dies down the bleeding has stopped and the marks are completely gone. “You…you healed me.”

“I’ve always had the power but mama and papa said it wasn’t normal so I never use it.”

“I see. Do you remember what happened tonight?”

“Tonight. I remember seeing a bright light then you found me when I woke up in my house. I remember these shadowy figures attack mama and papa and destroy our home. I tried to get away but I wasn’t fast enough. I feel like it happened on a completely different day though.”

“Oh. That is strange. Can I set you down for a little bit?”

“Mhm.” I set her down and take her hand. We continue to walk. The sun smiles over the mountains. The stars begin to fade slowly. We walk till the sun is at its highest peak. I stop and pick Rosy up in my arms. I walk deeper into the forest and find a place to sit and rest. I sit on the ground even though its cold and wet. I lean against a tree. I cradle Rosy in my arms and try to keep her warm as best I can. Her eyes slowly flutter and close. I feel her breathing in and out peacefully. It gives me a sense of safety and joy to hear her sleep. It makes me feel like I could get her somewhere where she felt safe to sleep and the fact that see trusts me. I close my eyes and fall asleep as well.

#

I open my eyes and realize Rosy is gone. I bolt up. “Rosy! Rosy, where are you?!”

“I’m over here but don’t come over. I’m trying to go to the bathroom.”

“Okay.” A minute later Rosy comes over walking funny. “Did you get pee on you?”

“Yeah”

“Okay. Here let’s put my jacket on you so you don’t get to cold.” She slowly walks to me. I put her arms in and zip it up. It luckily reaches her thighs. “I’m going to have you walk for a little bit. Just tell me if you get tired and I’ll pick you up.”

“Okay.” She grabs my hand and we start to walk. My stomach growls.

“I should have gone back to the cottage and packed some more supplies.” I whisper to myself. After a while Rosy starts to slow down and drag her feet. I stop and pick her up. I set her against my chest so her back is facing forward. She places her head on my shoulder. I smile. Is this what it’s like to be a mother? Caring around your sweet child when they get tired of walking? Having them rest their head on your shoulder? Hearing them say and whisper cut things? I sigh happily. Then get sad. What am I going to do with Rosy? I’m not ready to take care of a child. I don’t even know how to but I can’t just drop her off at some strangers house and ask them to take care of her till I’m ready. I just can’t. I sigh again. I keep treading through the deep, icy cold snow. I can feel snow getting in my boots and socking through my socks making my feet cold and wet. I just keep going. The sun starts to fade. I slow down and try to pace myself better. I use my navigation skills to remember where my cabin is. I drag my feet. I finally stop and sit on the ground. I just let Rosy sleep. I sit in the snow till I’m able to stand up and walk some more. After what feels like hours I finally see my cabin. I run the last couple feet. I walk in and go to my room. I gently lay Rosy on the bed. I put the covers over her. I kiss her forehead. I walk into the living area and sit down on the couch. I take my boots of with pain going through my whole body. I take my socks off too. I look at my feet and wince. They are blistered and bleeding. I hobble to the bathroom and grab some bandages. I hobble back the living area and sit down again. I slowly and carefully wrap my feet. I start to make something to eat. I struggle to get around the kitchen when my feet are in pain. I make two honey sandwiches because that is all I have. When I’m done I sit down on the couch and sigh.