Sentiment of a Witness

𝚃𝚘 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝙷𝚒𝚜 𝙽𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚆𝚊𝚜... 𝙹𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗?

The next few days passed agonisingly slowly – we'd lose a few kids by the end of each day as they left with their newfound families. I'm not going to lie; I was kind of jealous of them, being offered a new start in life with a new family. New chances, new opportunities. Which was funny, seeing as new things weren't something I was very open to – and something I'm still not entirely comfortable with. I suppose it depends on what kind of new thing it is. Negative or positive.

By the end of my first week at the Hotel Deucalion, it was just one other kid and me – I think his name was Jason, but don't take my word that because I really can't remember. Jupiter seemed surprised that so many of us had already disappeared to the next chapter of our lives, but of course, he was thrilled too.

Jason, or whatever his name was, and I hung out most of the time. We wouldn't really talk but rather sit in silence, looking at each other. It was really quite awkward. We often were supervised by a staff member or Jupiter. We had quite a blast terrorising Fenestra, the Magnificat, and Martha, a maid, always had the best treats from the kitchen. Frank, the party planner and Vampire-Dwarf of the Deucalion, took quite an interest in the two of us kids – Jason was terrified of him, and when Jupiter told Frank not to bit him, it took his fear to the level where we'd actively avoid Frank. Kedgeree, the concierge, would tell us tales of the Deucalion over the years as we sat with him behind his desk as he handed out flyers to Frank's next party.

And then there was Charlie, who we didn't see much of as he typically worked outside in the stables while we stayed inside. Dame Chanda, who I'd seen the day Trollis was arrested, was delighted that there were still two children left – she enjoyed talking to us, well, talking to us and holding conversation with Jason. I tended not to interact with anyone more than I had to.

And, of course, there was Jupiter who would take us around the Deucalion and sometimes, even to parks outside. I must admit, I'd been sceptical of the ginger man at first, but by the end of the first week, I found that I liked him, and I wanted to trust him; I honestly did. But trust only comes so easily.

I'd be lying if I said that I didn't enjoy Jason's company. I'd never really had someone around my age to hang out with, much less a friend. Though I wouldn't go as far as to say we were friends. It was still nice. He was a good guy. The most I'd spent time with someone my age was the kids from the Forest of Somerher at the Christmas party a little over two years ago.

So, it was a pity to see him go two days after we'd really started getting along.

I'd finally opened up a bit to someone, shared some of my interests and made conversation, finally let myself smile and feel like a kid again. And he was whisked away, just like that.

It wasn't Jason's fault. I knew that. But that didn't mean it hurt any less.

Despite the pain, I wished the best for him. That his new family would treat him well and he'd be loved and provided for.

But it left me feeling empty. What was I supposed to do now? I was the last kid from Larommi left at the Deucalion. Would Jupiter wait for another family to possibly come in? Would I be forced out? Given to another orphanage?

Part of me hoped that I might be able to stay at the Deucalion – it's truly an incredible place – but I told myself that was selfish. The staff at the hotel didn't need any more issues; they didn't need to be concerned about a nine-year-old with a knack like mine.

I would only burden them.

Written: 19 August, 2021

Published: 20 August, 2021