That night, the town was in a state on unrest. From his window at the orphanage, he could hear the faint sounds of protesting. When he looked out, he could see firelight from torches towards the front of the church.

He couldn't tell if there were more people who had joined the man from earlier or if they were people trying to shout him away.

Reuel had left soon after getting Eli safely back to the orphanage. Eli was left alone to process the entire day and its events. Small instances, but seeming to have all lead up to the event outside the church right now.

First.. A child he had never seen before shows up at worship. A strange child who came from out of the town and spoke against the church. The man shouting about Mettatron, whoever he was, visiting and claiming to be the "new god" over humanity?

Elis head reeled. Maybe if he has payed more attention during worship it would all have made more sense. Aside from that, he was worried about his friend. Coming back after travelling for two years, having seen this all unfold firsthand, and now having it happen in his own town. He could only imagine what Reuel was feeling.

Reuel had rushed off so fast earlier to speak with the Father, Eli was sad to let his friend go in such an upset state.

----

Later on into the evening, Eli heard a knock at his door. Getting up, he opened it and saw a plate on the ground with a note beside it. His reading was so rusty, but it was written simply and from the writing, he could tell it was from Reuel.

It had only two words: Be safe.

Eli held the letter tightly and brought the plate inside. It was a plate full of delicious looking food. Probably made from the things they had both got at the market earlier in the day.

He smiled softly at the food. Even busy and in worry, Reuel always thought of him and looked out for him.

He sat down and enjoyed his meal. He never ate with the other orphans, the atmosphere would be too awkward for him as they would just stare at him and whisper. He didn't want there to be a chance for them to bully him as well. Reuel had been his only friend and meal buddy since he came here, he had only become used to eating alone after Reuel had left.

After he finished eating, it was late enough for Eli to lay down for bed. He blew out the candle by his bedside and stared up at the dark ceiling.

As he began to drift off to sleep, the faint firelight from his window seemed to grow brighter and follow him into his dreams.