100 Theme Challenge #4

Theme 81 – A Place To Belong

The room was completely black. I didn’t know where I was… but it was so cold and lonely. “Daddy?” I called out. I knew he was here and I needed to find him! I didn’t want to be without him anymore. “Daddy!” I yelled. All I got in response was the silence of the empty black. Who knew what was lurking in that darkness. “DADDY!” I screeched, tears welling up in my eyes. “You said you’d keep me safe! You promised! You promised!” I screamed. Tears ran down my face. I fell onto my knees and put my head in my hands, silently sobbing.

In the quiet, I suddenly heard a soft and low humming noise. I looked up from my dripping hands and saw a small light up ahead. I stood up slowly and began to walk towards this light. The closer I got, the warmer I became both inside and out. I began to quicken my pace, eager to see who… or what had created that brightness in the dark. Within seconds, a figure came into view. A figure I knew all too well.

I couldn’t contain the laugh of relief that escaped my throat. I began to run. “Daddy!” I cried out, just feet from the man. He slowly turned around, showing me that he was indeed my father. His black, slicked-back hair and lab coat helped confirm it. As soon as I stepped into the light an unexplainable joy bursted within me. I jumped into the man’s arms and clung to him. “You came to find me! You came for me!” I murmured, my head in his chest, tears escaping once more.

His warm arms wrapped around me, keeping the cold and darkness at bay. He kissed the top of my head. “I promised, didn’t I?”

And that’s when I woke up.

~X~

The bed was a lot warmer than usual, so comfy. Keeping my eyes closed, I nuzzled my pillow and snuggled deeper into my covers. I was far too comfterable to get out just yet. But then I realized something. Someone’s arms were wrapped around me! Only one person would do that! My daddy! I snuggled up to him and sighed happily. I was finally with my father again.

My dad… my dad? Reality hit me like a brick wall. No! This can’t be… my daddy is… THIS IS NOT MY DAD! My eyes shot open and I saw a pale face with silver strands dripping over its features. He had me wrapped in his arms. My first instinct was to push him off my bed. Why was he here anyway? I stared at him for a few seconds.

“Noishe.” I hissed.

No response.

I gently nudged his arm. “Are you awake?”

No response.

I still wanted to push him off my bed. I was slightly ticked that he’d invade my privacy so carelessly. His calm look caused me to rethink, though. After how he’s lived his entire life and after how people probably treated him, that bed might’ve been his first luxury. To us Lunars, he was nothing but slime and mud rotting in that alleyway. This was probably even his first time in a house.

I took in a deep breath and finally took note of the sterling locks sprawled all over his face… a soothing face. Wait, what was I thinking?! I realized that I was smiling like a dork, so I quickly shook my head. I decided to let this whole “crawling into my bed” thing slide. After all, I’d think it’d be best to let him stay here. I’m not going to allow him to go back out where he’s a worthless shadow.

I got up and managed to climb over the sleeping boy and tiptoe to the bedroom door. Looking at him, I smiled like a dweeb once more.

I was going to him the best breakfast he’s ever had.

Theme 81 – A Place To Belong