The Unified Soul

Marry My Daughter

Christmas had passed faster than the winter winds, but the next holiday was coming up even faster. New Years Day! And with Airis' birthday being on the same day, everyone was even more excited to celebrate. All of the adults were asking her what she wanted for her birthday, but she always felt so shy and nervous when they asked it. 

"I just wanna watch the bell ring at Midnight." She said, or, "You spoil me on Christmas. You don't need to on New Years."

But, nevertheless, everyone started making birthday gift lists for the little girl that brightened up their days. They couldn't do it last year because she wasn't as open, but now was their opportunity to make it the best birthday she had ever had. The first of many, according to Aphmau's big smile and happy attitude.

Airis was sitting in her room, listening to the music box Aphmau got her for Christmas. She continued to stare at the picture that hovered over the music box, continuously smiling at her parents' smiling faces.

"I am so glad to see that you are happy, little one." A voice said to her. Airis nodded as she held the music box on her lap, a soft, gentle touch pressed on her shoulder.

"I really am. I'm grateful for the family I was given. Mama and Papa are so nice and all of my Aunties and Uncles are so sweet to me."

The owner of the voice smiled at Airis and wrapped their arms around the little girl.

"It brings me great joy to see that you are so happy. You've come a long way since the beginning of this new life. I do hope that this peace and happiness continues for you."

Airis nodded and closed the music box before getting off the bed and set it on her bedside table.

"Say, you haven't been speaking to me as much as you did before." Airis pointed out.

"Yes, I have been quite busy. There are many things I had to oversee, you know this as much as I do."

Airis' smile dropped when she realized what the stranger was talking about, "I understand. Are you sure that everything is going to be okay?"

The stranger nodded, "Yes, I am positive that everything is going to be okay. Nothing is ever going to hurt you again. I'll always be here to protect you, Airis. That was the promise I made to your mother and father."

Airis nodded and smiled again. She turned around, but didn't see the stranger, which was not strange to the little girl. The stranger never revealed themselves to the girl, always saying that it wasn't the right time for her to see their face. Airis sighed and went to leave her room to go downstairs with her mother and father.

~~~~~

Aaron sat at the kitchen table, typing away at his laptop while the dogs were playing in the living room and Aphmau was in the kitchen drinking a cup of coffee.

"Hmmm..." Aaron hummed, "Hey, babe, random question."

"Yeah?" Aphmau replied.

"If you had to pick one place in the world that you've never been to, but you've really wanted to go, what would it be?"

"Olive Garden." Aphmau answered immediately.

"You've already been there." Aaron chuckled, "And what I mean is is there anywhere in the world you wanted to go to but never had the opportunity to go."

Aphmau looked down and thought for a second, thinking back to her childhood and a very specific place popped up in her head.

"Uh.. we already went to Love~Love Paradise."

"Anywhere else?" 

"Hmmm... Oh! Starlight Wonderland!"

"What? Really?" Aaron questioned.