Twisted-Wonderland: Our Precious Treasure (Part 2)

(143) TDoKA: The Sigh of Jonah Argentum

Morning Time - Sunday, 2nd January

-----

As the last snow fell to the ground, the laughter of children as they opened their present for Wasaila ceased among the wind, and colors no longer exploded in the sky, without no one counting it, 2nd January finally came.

It was back to school time.

Well, not exactly. Today was Sunday. The school didn't start until tomorrow, but Headmaster Crowley had called that he would pick Jonah up on Sunday since he is a dorm prefect and they were some matters that needed to be solved. The headmaster's private ebony carriage had just arrived a few moments ago actually.

"Are you sure you have everything you need?" Jonah's father asked from behind. The boy looked up from his position. He was sitting on his porch with a wheeled suitcase next to him and a backpack on his back. Ever since his return, his father has been taking care of him as if he hadn't been missing for a long time, but he did keep him close. When he wasn't with the other kids, his father was there. He bought him new clothes and school materials. He cooked him warm meals even gave Jonah some recipes. Their cook times were something that Jonah enjoyed a lot. But he couldn't help but felt a gap between them. He didn't want to be called 'ungrateful', but

Jonah smiled, his hand brought to Grim's head who sat on his suitcase, wearing a warm sweater he got from Newton on Wassailia. "I'm sure."

"Did you bring your warm clothes? It'll be chili out there."

"I got it." Jonah patted on his suitcase.

"Snacks? Your water bottle?"

"Right here." Jonah patted on his backpack. He looked down to his shoes again, pulling the last loop of his shoelace. He hummed in satisfaction. He turned around, hands gripping his backpack strap. "Thanks for the roti tissue recipe. I'm going to make one day."

"Of course." His father nodded with a smile. "Make sure you share it with your friends in school, okay?"

"Alright."

"And please." His father stepped forward and reached out. His hands rested once again on his cheeks. He had been doing almost every day, not that Jonah minded. His hands are warm but a bit rough from many cooking mistakes. They cupped his face perfectly, holding him with the utmost care for a father's hands never forget the shape of their children. "Promise me you will be okay."

Jonah closed his eyes and smiled. His felt hand, his still normal hand, reached for his father's right, pressing the hand closer and leaning into the touch. "I promised," he said. "I'll write you letters."

"Thank you." His father move closer and pulled him into a warm hug. His father is nearly the same height as Jonah so Jonah could rest his chin on his father's shoulder. His father kissed his cheek ever so tenderly as he whispered, "I can't lose you again."

Jonah hummed. "I'll be fine."

The older Argentum felt reluctant to let go but eventually, he stepped back. Grim then leaped on his backpack., looking at the man. "Don't worry, Sir," he said with the utmost confidence, "I'll always be Jonah's side. I'll protect him!"

The man chuckled. "Thank you, dear Grim." He reached to scratch behind Grim's ear to which the cat let out a purr. "If the dried fish ever running low, don't hesitate to send a letter. I'll send more."

Grim grinned. "Will do!"

His father pulled back and gave Jonah another kiss on the forehead. "Be safe, my boy."