His Name Was River

Promises and Almost Dying

Mother!
The short male, River, tossed his long, silky golden hair through the window, and began the strenuous task of pulling her all the way up the tower. Like, for heaven's sake, why couldn't they just get a normal door?
After his arms had seemingly ached and screamed enough for the day, she finally climbed through the tall window and into the heavily painted and colorful room. Groaning, she threw her bag down haphazardly and collapsed into the closest chair, stretching out her old joints. River had absolutely no idea why she kept insisting on going out for food even though he assured her every time that he was fully capable of running her errands, but alas. The old woman was way too stubborn to let him even think about leaving.
Well anyway, that's presumably where he gets his stubbornness from as well. But then again...
...why does he not resemble her one tiny bit?
His mother had dark, unruly curly hair, and even darker eyes that complimented her extremely pale and haggard complexion well. She was beautiful for her age, but then there was River, with his long golden locks, vibrant, shimmering green eyes that almost matched his chameleon friend, and slightly tanned caramel skin. It was almost as if he had been switched at birth or something...
Eh, nevermind.
----------River Pov----------
Anxiety ripped harshly at my chest as I studied her closely, the woman who called herself my mother. She had been the only person I remembered ever having been in my life, but for some peculiar reason it feels like I'm missing a huge piece of the puzzle here. She seemed so tired, maybe I should ask her later?
"River? ....RIVER."
Her harsh, grunting tone broke me out of my stupor, only to have me realize slowly that she had in fact been talking to me this entire time.
Think... Think!
"Mother?"
Mother crossed her arms impatiently, gazing at me as I squirmed under her watchful eye. She was cold and calculating, her eyes never show any emotion except for times like this when she gets cross with me.
"Spit it out. I don't need you drooling while I'm trying to relax and put up my feet!" Snapped the elder, causing me to flinch back.
"M-mother, I was hoping tha-" Without realizing it, I had begun to trail off.
"Oh quit the mumbling son, you know how I hate the mumbling!"
"I was wondering if maybe you could take me to see the floating lights!" I blurted, then slapped my hand over my mouth in shock.