Come Along: SNK AU

~36

Till that fateful day, school sped by as fast as a out of control snail.

Being around my dear friends kept my mind from being afloat, keeping the world around in mind.

Yet only the sheer anxiety kept me going, kept each day passing by, with the constellations rotating by.

~

One night I was sitting at my desk, with my phone in hand.

"Hey dad! How's the weather there?"

I hear a slight shuffle, "It's mostly sunny right now with mild temperatures and with a growing amount of tourists."

"Sounds fun," My tone flattens as I respond.

Dad couldn't help but chuckle, "It makes getting to and from work quite complicated. Especially when they don't know the languages."

"Do they know at least the basics?" I inquire.

Dad replies, "I think so? Some do try, and some don't mija."

I shake my head, "That must be hard."

"It's alright. All what I think about is how I'll be home soon."

A sudden surge of melancholy washes over my body, "I do hope so."

"Thais, what's wrong?" Dad automatically asks.

"What do you mean?" I snap at him.

A darkness washes over my body, leaving a coldness in my chest.

"Your voice became softer."

"Dad, please not now," I muffle into my hands.

"Alright, I love you Thais."

"Bye dad."

Then the call abruptly ends.

~

Later that day during dinner, Millie begs with her large brown eyes, while Ollie faces the incorrect direction.

Levi interrupts the silence as he clears his throat, "Have you spoken to Erwin yet?"

I rest a hand under my chin, "Yes I did."

"H-How did it go...?" Levi fumbles as he shortly reaches for his tea.

"Not too well," I admit to him.

He shakes his head, "He's trying, Thais."

"I know Levi!" I snap at him, "but at times it feels like it's not enough!"

His grey eyes narrow, "Listen here brat, your father, my husband is working his ass off."

"You don't think I know that!"

Throwing the fork down, I feel tears that threaten to glide to my lap.

"Please leave me be, Levi," I say.

Silence than takes hold of the room, as I hear the sliding of the chair, and soft yet purposeful footsteps.

Suddenly, a warmth covers my shoulder, and as I peek over. His grey, woeful eyes linger for a second.

"We're trying our best for you Thais, we really are."

"Levi," my voice cracks as I respond.

Reaching out, we embrace each other as I heave with sobs, and Levi stand firms, ready to endure for whatever comes next.