“How’s he doing?” Rowan asks.

Taka is still hugging his pant leg.

“He’s getting a lot better thanks to you.” Killian crosses his arms.

Rowan lets out a breath. “That’s good.” He pauses. “I hope Auggie gets better quickly…”

Killian’s smile softens. “I told him about Taka.” He chuckles. “He wants to meet him.”

“Who’s Auggie?” Taka asks.

“August is my son. He is a little older than you… I think.” Killian says.

Taka thinks for a moment. “Does he like horses?”

Killian chuckles. “Yes. He has a horse.”

“What is Mr. Horse's name?”

“Steel.”

“Does Mr. Steel Horsey like sugar cubes?”

“Probably.” Killian’s smile grows wider. “I can look into it for you.”

Taka nods very seriously. “Please do that.”

Rowan smiles while quietly watching Taka.

…

“How much longer will he be in bed?” Rowan asks.

Killian scratches the back of his head. “The physician says it will only be another day or two before he can start walking again.”

“I see… so the lily worked…” Rowan mutters.

Taka’s ears shoot up. “Lily spirit?”

“Spirit?” Killian tilts his head.

“The flower I brought back with Taka.” Rowan explains.

Killian blinks. 

“It’s a spirit?”

Taka pulls at Rowan’s pant leg.

“She said she isn’t a flower…”

“Right. Sorry.” Rowan chuckles.

…

“It talks?” Killian’s eyes widen.

Rowan looks over at Killian. "...Yes."

“Taka told me that the lily spirit actually likes being useful.” Rowan runs his fingers through his hair.

…

“... I guess that is good…” Killian’s shoulders relax.

I’m glad it only took two petals…

I had no idea…

…

“Is there anything else I should know about the… lily spirit…” Killian takes a breath.

…

‘Do you like the jar?’

‘...No. Not really…’

…

“...Can you… put her in the ground?” Taka lowers his head, fidgeting with his hands.

…

Killian smiles. “I can arrange something.”

Taka lifts his head with a smile across his face. “Really?”

Killian nods. “I will figure it out.”

…

In Killian’s office. 

Amongst piles of books.

Stacks of reports.

On the windowsill, sits a single flower. 

Sitting in a fresh pot of soil.

Enjoying the sunshine.

Her petals shine brighter than they ever have before.