Mari's return

Shadow

An expressionless boy sitting in a large box with a cat. A short boy with a myriad of party hats decorating his head. A young girl with dark hair draped in a pink raincoat under an umbrella. A blonde boy reading a book to the expressionless boy. And a tall boy struggling to assemble a flower crown. But where was she among these memories?

“Man, it looks like most of the photos are missing. Aubrey probably still has them, that jerk,” said Kel. The group had returned to Basil’s house and were now reminiscing through the remains of the photo album while Polly arranged dinner. “Don’t you worry though Basil! The three of us won’t rest until we get them back!”

“Oh… Okay… Thank you...” responded Basil.

Polly entered the living room area. “Sorry to interrupt, but it looks like dinner will be taking longer to prepare than I thought. Would any of you like to help?”

“Sure, I’ll help. I’ve got experience helping my brother cook after all,” answered Kel.

“I’ll help, too,” said Mari. Even if Kel had grown in the past four years, he was still the same kid as before, so Mari felt that she should keep an eye on what he does to the food.

While helping Polly prepare their meal, Mari glanced back at where Sunny and Basil were and noticed that the area was now empty.

‘They probably went deeper inside the house to play. It has been a long time since the two of them have seen each other after all.’

“Kel, that’s sugar, not salt!” exclaimed Mari as she turned her attention back to the kitchen.

“Whoops! Thanks Mari!”

Shortly after they had finished cooking Kel called the two back to the dining table. The group began to indulge in the food while Kel kept talking about Hero coming back to Faraway and how he’ll be able to prove himself as the taller brother. Eventually, he noticed that Sunny had Basil’s album by the foot of his chair.

“Whatcha doing with Basil’s album there, Sunny?” the tan boy inquired.

“Oh… I… I gave it to him...” Basil answered for him.

“For real? That’s pretty cool of you, Basil! Makes sense too, since Sunny’s moving away in a few days. You’re probably going to be moving too, right Mari?”

“Hmm… Maybe but, I haven’t gotten the chance to tell mom I’m back yet so it’ll be up to her,” replied Mari.

“Wait! Sunny’s… moving?” exclaimed Basil with a panicked expression.

“Yep! Sorry, I thought I brought it up before, but I guess I forgot. I think you’re moving in what… Three days, Sunny?”

Sunny nodded at Kel’s question.

“Oh… That’s… I’m sorry… I… I need to use the restroom.” Basil got out of his seat and headed into the hall.