Garik awakens in his room a few days later, instinctively reaching for his wound. He relaxes as his fingers touch the neatly placed bandages covering it up. Garik’s aunt Adeline, the owner of the house he had been living in since moving to the city, walks in as he is recounting what had happened to him. 

“You’re awake! I was so worried you might not get up again!” She begins to reach to embrace her nephew before deciding against it in her better judgment. 

“Sorry I made you worry,” Garik says while still feeling his bandages. 

His aunt leans on the bed trying to hold back tears, “What do you mean? None of this is your fault! A nice couple saw some of the boys who attacked you running away. I’m so grateful that they found you before it was too late!” 

“Yeah,” Garik starts to nod in approval before feeling a sharp pain in his neck. “Oh, you must be starving! I’ll go make you some food,” she says as she rushes to the kitchen. 

After a moment she peeks her head through the doorway, “I almost forgot. Your parents sent a letter to you. It’s right over there.” 

Garik waits for her to leave before examining the letter. By the pleasant smell and the neat handwriting, he can tell it was written by his mother. It states that her and his father are coming soon to check if he is okay. The letter goes on to her asking him to decide if he wants to remain in the city or to return home with them. 

Garik tosses the letter to the side. He has already decided that he will stay in Varden. If anyone has a problem with him, they will just have to accept him, whether they want to or not.