Where Are Your Parents? | SBI FD

Call it Courage

Tommy giggles as Wilbur fusses over his clothes. Techno finishes packing a small bag for his trip to the mountains past town. Tommy didn't like him leaving so much, but he knew it was what Techno wanted to do. He knew Techno left the orphanage to be free to go wherever in life.

He also knew neither of them planned to live in a questionably stable shed with a 10 year old boy to look after but here he was. He always tried to stay positive, but he wasn't oblivious to how his brothers feel.

Wilbur puts a cap over his messy blonde hair and Tommy smiles at how happy Wilbur looks.

"Remember what I said, Techno." Wilbur warns.

Techno pretends to be nonchalant and fake yawns. "Yeah, yeah, Toms passes out. I bring him back. If he seems fine, I let him run around town so you get a break" He teases the younger boy.

Wilbur sighs, and steps back from straightening Tommy's suspenders. "Alright, I'll see you both soon."

Tommy grabs a basket and waits for Techno by the path while the older two talk.

Techno readjusts his travel bag and they start walking towards town. Tommy walks ahead of him slightly, excited to finally be out of the woods.

"Slow down Toms c'mon. I know you miss town but it's not going anywhere."

Tommy slows down. "What? I thought you were excited to leave that forest too?"

"You know I am, and I know you are, but I'm leaving for a few days so we should talk." He swings his arm around Tommy's shoulder, having to lean down very far to reach the ten year old's shoulders. "I always miss you, you know."

"If you miss me so much, why don't you stay intown? I'm sure someone would hire you."

Tommy watches his brother look straight ahead. "Well, you know how Wil likes staying in the forest?"

"Yeah..."

"And you know how you like to be in town?"

Tommy nods, unsure where his brother was going with this. "Yeah?"

"Well I don't like the forest or the town. I'm not happy with anything unless I'm free." He smiles at Tommy. "I like knowing that no matter how far I go, you two will always be there when I'm back."

Tommy scrunchies his nose in distaste. "I wouldn't want to leave either of you ever!"

Techno laughs softly. "Wilbur would love to hear that he won't have you disappearing like me when you're older."

They reach the town and Tommy takes a deep breath at the sight of people other than his brothers. He missed the crowded buildings and stone streets. Before he can go and find the man who will let him sell newspapers, he has to get Technos seal of 'I'm not gonna pass out' approval.

"Well...?" The blonde questions.

"Well... I think you're going to be fine today, just take it easy for Wil's sake. And go tell Phil thanks for saving you." He laughs and starts walking away.

Tommy always wondered how Techno was so sure on where he was headed. He didn't have any kind of map that the boy could see, he just seemed to know.

He hopes one day he could walk into uncertainty with the confidence of his brother. He knows they aren't really related, but he can't help but realize he's adopted traits from both of them over time.

Wilbur taught him about being grateful for all the little things in life, to be happy with who he was becoming and keep pushing to be better. Techno helped him understand that the world was big, bigger than any problem, bigger than him and his brothers. That you'll never be able to face the world till you start within yourself.