FD: Birth of a Wishing Heart

39. Six Days

Once Hansel had calmed down enough to speak properly I escaped his tree-crushing arms and went to get some of that poison that helped him snap out of it.

"What are you looking for?" He wiped his face and forced himself up while popping another truffle into his mouth.

"That Poison you drink that helps the rum get out of your system!" I pouted.

"Poison?" He immediately laughed. "I'm not that drunk, Gree. I promise." I didn't completely believe him. He had been an emotional wreck just now! He picked me up and brought me to a chair.

My legs swung wildly in the air. Hansel picking me up was cute at first but now it was just silly. "Let's catch up."

"I can walk!" I pouted as I crossed my arms.

He smiled. "You're also very tiny. I haven't seen you in a long time and don't know when I'll see you again. So I will pick you up and hold you."

"I'm very nearly four feet!" I grumbled. Was it impressive, no, but I grew differently than he did! After I replayed what he said my mood shifted. He didn't know when he was going to see me again. "Am I not welcome here?"

He shook his head. "Gree, don't be upset but I can't let you keep coming here. You saw what just happened! I was against it the first time and tried anyways but letting you back in our lives would put both you and Gretel in danger.  I can't let that happen because I love you both. Do you understand?"  His voice was assertive but lined with sympathy. It seemed like he wished it didn't have to be this way. He did love me, and that was a comfort.

I looked down at the floor and slouched a little in disappointment. I had just reunited with them and now I was being told I couldn't come back. "But I'm here now. I put the evil in Gretel to sleep a few times!"

He smiled in gratitude. "Yes you did, and Gree I am so proud you did. I wouldn't even be able to let you in from the yard if you hadn't. I tried to push you and see if you could prove me wrong and keep yourself safe. You did. I didn't expect to be able to keep you this long, but the evil in Gretel is very strong. It wants you, and the more you're here the more it'll spread and try to attack. I want to hurt Gretel the least I can. You can't keep Adiscordia asleep forever, and if I put you stay in danger just to see you, I'd be extremely selfish."

He was right. It was heartbreaking, but could I have expected any other response? His love and pride for me were something I'd cherish and lock away in my mind. I didn't have anyone who was proud of me or thought I could live on my own. I began to feel a little fear, not sure why. I began to understand my brother a little more, being independent wasn't enough. I was a hunted magical being. Where I was danger would follow. It could hurt me but also others. I couldn't go with Carter this weekend. "I understand, Hansel."

"That doesn't mean we have to stop talking." My body jolted back up as I stared at him, eyes sparkling in excitement. Hansel, don't you dare get my hopes up. Last time I had left he said he'd visit. I was kept waiting for years. "I don't think I can leave her alone long but I can send some letters your way. You can drop off your own as well. I'll make a card box at a middle point so you won't need to enter the village."

My heart began to glow again. It wasn't flickering. It was feeling loved.  I threw myself on Hansel holding him tightly. "Thank you! Thank you, Hansel!" I wanted to tell him how much I hated being alone, but that would bring back his question of Why was I alone? I couldn't answer that. He held me back for a short period before lifting me back up unto the other chair. With what he said I didn't mind being picked up and put back on the chair.

After that conversation was when what he said hit me. I hadn't understood it at first. The glow immediately became flickering. Did he say Adiscordia? As in, sibling of the evil lady that wanted to kill my brother and me? Adiscordia was dead!  She was burnt to a crisp, wasn't she? She was inside Gretel, and I made her fall asleep? She had wanted to eat Hansel! Did she still want to fatten him up for that? Was she trying to kill me for her sister? Hansel's tap snapped me out of it. He had stood up right next to me and was tapping at my shoulders quickly.