Whenever Taka thinks about the garden and the sweets, his fog turns yellow.

He watches as the raindrops race down the window.

“Aww… Mine lost…”

…

He turns to see Rowan at his desk.

“He must be pretty busy today… He usually lets me out when he’s in here.”

Taka tilts his head toward the gray clouds above as they drift through the sky.

He shifts to a shade of blue.

I wish I could do that… 

…

He watches his own mist swirl inside the glass.

I look like them...

…

“I wonder how Mama is doing…” 

…

He looks back at Rowan, his arm moving as he writes.

“I wonder what he is doing…”

…

Rowan on the other hand, isn’t thinking about Taka nor the rain outside.

Instead, he is focused on a report that he received earlier that same day.

‘The border has been breached’, is all it says.

He diligently works on his reports, hoping no one was injured in the attack.

…

After finishing writing, he leans back in his chair and sighs.

I hope this works

…

No…

This has to work.

…

His gaze wanders around the room.

Suddenly, something feels like it is missing.

His eyes settle on the windowsill.

…

The jar.

He stands and picks up the jar.

“Sorry Taka, I was distracted…”

He sets it on its side on the floor.

Taka quickly comes out.

“It’s okay. You were working hard, Captain.” He smiles softly.

Guilt twists in Rowan’s stomach.

He forgives so easily…

…

Taka quietly walks to the couch, taking a cookie off the tray.

He sits back, nibbling on the cookie while watching the fire crackle.

Rowan lets out a breath as he sits back at his desk.

Every so often, he glances up to check on Taka.

He isn't asking very many questions today…

…

“This one is finished.” Rowan stretches his arms with a groan.

Rowan stands from his desk, glancing again at Taka.

He folds the paper and slides it into an envelope, stamping it with the Captain’s crest.

…

“Taka?”

Taka turns and meets his eyes.

“Do you want to join me?”

Taka stands up quickly. “Where are we going?”

Rowan chuckles and holds up the envelope. “Just to deliver a letter, nothing fancy.”

Taka smiles ear to ear. “Can I really go with?”

Rowan smiles. “As long as you behave yourself."

Taka nods excitedly. “I promise!”

Rowan opens the door.

Taka hurries after him.

Taka wanders around the hallway as they walk.

A painting of a forest landscape catches his eye.

He stops in front of it to admire it for a moment. 

The green trees.

The glistening river.

The sun beaming through the leaves.

Rowan stops, patiently waiting for him. 

…

“It reminds me of…” Taka’s sentence trails off before he can finish. 

…

“... What does it remind you of?” Rowan asks, unsure if he wants to hear the answer. 

“...” 

Taka stares at the painting in silence.

Rowan walks back and stands next to Taka, looking at the painting.

It just looks like some brushstrokes on some canvas to me…

…

He looks back down at Taka, watching the painting like he may never see it again. 

Rowan sighs. “Is it really that fascinating?”

Taka nods slowly, not moving. 

Rowan glances down at the letter. 

I need to send this quickly.

…

But… 

That look in his eye is telling me to stay just a little longer.