Building a Bridge

The Scent of a New Book

I was sitting peacefully in the living room, sipping on some hot tea, and reading a nice book about plants. Well, I was, before two children ran down the stairs and then towards me. Tommy jumped onto the plush couch next to me and I smile at him.

"What are you boys doing?"

"Tag," They say in unison.

"In the house? That's dangerous. We have glass and stairs in here. I don't want you two to get hurt." I frown, setting my book down next to me.

"Sorry," Tubbo drooped.

Tommy sat up next to me and said, "Well I'm not! I am so bored,"

l stood up chuckling and retrieving a few books from the bookshelf.

"What are you doing, old man?"

"Tommy, don't call Philza an old man. You'll get in trouble."

They continued chattering away behind me. When I got all the books I thought would suit their tastes, I sat back down.

"Whatcha got there?" Tommy spoke up.

"A few books I thought you two might enjoy," I answered, handing them a book each.

"BEES! How did you know I liked bees?!" Tubbo screamed, eyes wide, grinning from ear to ear.

I happily reply, "I saw you talking to the bees last you were outside. I didn't mean to snoop, so I apologize if it was a private moment,"

"It's alright, big man." Tubbo smiled brightly, opening the book up and avidly reading.

"And why d'you think I care about discs?"

"I didn't know what you like, so I thought maybe you would like music. I'm sorry if you don't, though."

Tommy looked lost in his own world for a little while; the only tell being how he stared at me, motionless.

Tommy snapped out of his stupor, finally replying with, "Do you have any? Discs, I mean."

I smiled gently at his request and stood to go find where I put them.

I found them deep in the closet, collecting dust. Techno, Wil, and I didn't see the need for them-preferring Wil to play for us instead. I grinned at the fond memories and came back to where the kids were. I placed the box of old things next to the jukebox in the corner.

"Woah. How did you get so many? I thought they were, like, rare." Tommy gaped.

"I went on many adventures when I was younger."

"I'm sure you were," Tommy quipped.

"Hey, you shush now. I can still take on a wither if I wanted," I playfully remarked.

"You can take on a wither?!" Tubbo was suddenly interested in our conversation.

I hummed. "Alright. Let's play the music. Tommy, what disc do you want to play first?"

Tommy was sifting through the box, "How about this red one?"

I placed the disc into the jukebox and it started playing, "That's called Chirp, it's a nice tune,"

It was quiet for a while. Tommy didn't speak or move around much while the song played.

Soon, though, the song ended, and Tommy spoke, "That was nice. Can you play the yellow and white one?"

"Thirteen." I corrected but nodded my head as I placed it in.

Tommy and Tubbo were both asleep on the floor by the end of it. Tommy found two discs he really liked, Cat and Mellohi. Cat was a bright green in the middle, while mellohi was purple and white. I sighed and picked Tommy up. I brought him to his room and set him on the bed. I wished him a goodnight and brought Tubbo up to his room as well.

I walked back down the stairs. As I turned to walk behind the staircase, I pressed a hidden button and took a step into the hidden area.

If I want them to stay alive then I must never tell them about this room.