Perfect Nights in Ullyse

A Conversation

Daner looked at Raynor. He knew they owed each other an explanation but where to begin? So he kept quiet. They can’t act without thought with their son being the one who will be affected by whatever happens. 

“It will be safe for you here in the island. Just live here and do whatever you did over there. No one will try to uproot both of your lives but security is important,” said Raynor. 
It is a reasonable suggestion. 

“I want to run the café like I used to or I will go mad not doing anything,” said Daner and looked down. They have to meet halfway on this. It’s a good compromise, right?

“Not too far from here. Moreover, I am sure you will find plenty to do around here. The den houses over 50 people and you may not like what I am going to say next but it is what it is- you are the donna of Almens and thus they are now your responsibility too. They have always been and so is the people of the islands but before now you-

“I didn’t know about my duties, yes because I woke up to an empty bed with my new husband gone,” snapped Daner, overwhelmed. He didn’t want to bring that up but it just came out.

“You were clear about what you wanted and I was clear about my side too. Moreover, if you are going to argue about that- well, why did I not know about my son till now? You could have come here if you wanted me to find out or if you wanted to live with me at some point,” said Raynor. 

“But did you want me to? If you wanted, truly wanted, you could have found me too. You are Lord Almen- you could have found me,” snapped Daner. They stared at each other- tempers rising but a soft sniff turned their attention to their now sleeping son. 

“Its in the past, whatever happened. What’s the use airing our dirty laundry now. My priority is Dale. I will do anything for his safety, even staying here,” said Daner. 

“If there is a way I can get you both out of this life, I will. Give me some time,” said Raynor. 

Daner truly didn’t see a way that can happen but he didn’t say anything, just nodded. He doesn’t know who moved first but they were kissing. Daner was the first one to move away and he looked away from Raynor’s face. He looked up only when he heard the door close gently. 

Daner laid awake late into the night with his son asleep in his arms. Only a wall away, Raynor was also awake into early hours of morning.
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“Where is Baba?”

“Baba”

“Babaaa”

Raynor woke up to his son calling out for him and a small body jumped over him and settled against his chest.

“You said you won’t leave me,” his son said looking accusingly at him.

“I just came over here to sleep,” said Raynor running a hand through his hair. The door was pushed open further and Daner was at the door. 

“Sleep near Dale all days,” said Dale.

“Okay. How about I get up and brush?” asked Raynor. 

“Mm’ kay. All good boys brush,” said Dale sagely and sat up. 

Raynor stood up with Dale in his arms. 

“I will bring his brush now,” said Daner and left.

“Babbo is sad. He was crying,” whispered Dale.

“Oh”

“But my aunt said adults cry when happy and sad- I don’t know,” said Dale.

“And you are not supposed to rat out your Babbo to anyone, you little sneak,” said Daner coming in.