Duskwood After Story

Persuasion, Part 1

Author's Notes:

I'm back! And I got sick with Covid from my trip. 😅 I hope you are well and doing a lot better than me!

To be honest, I've been debating whether I should keep posting (though I'm still writing the story on my own Google Docs) as I reread what I wrote and don't feel happy about it... But anyways, I'm here. I won't be able to update as frequently as before with life slowly going back to busy mode. If anything changes, I'll make sure to post an announcement about it. :)

Enjoy!

*******************************************************

The secret alliance that Jake had formed with my father made me both amused and jealous. I wonder what they had talked about and why the sudden secrecy. But, in the end, I was glad that they got along.

I told them about Alan's response. We wouldn't hear back from him until 5 o'clock and it was only 10 minutes past noon. I wondered what we could do to pass the time.

Then, my father suggested.

"I'll be fine on my own. In fact, I think I'm due for my afternoon nap now. You kids go spend some time together. Jake, have you ever been to Helianford before?"

Jake shook his head, replying no.

"Then this is the perfect chance to go explore the city!"

"Are you sure, Dad? We can stay with you, in case you need anything." - I asked, my worried eyes met his.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. Go, go, let me rest a bit." - He said as he put his hand out and gestured to us to leave.

"Okay, if anything happens, here is my phone number. Do you have your phone with you?" - I stood up to look for his phone.

"Yes, it's in the first drawer of the nightstand." - He pointed to the nightstand next to the bed.

I went over to get his phone from the drawer then saved my number into his speed dial.

"Okay, Dad, I put myself under your speed dial #1, I had also put my name as your emergency contact with the hospital. Call me if you need anything, okay?"

"Yes, yes. I will." - He said. His voice sounded like he couldn't wait any longer for us to leave.

"Alright, we're leaving now." - I said as Jake and I got up from our seats - "We'll see you in a bit. Have a good nap, Dad."

Jake reached out his hand for a shake. My father took it. "See you in a bit, Sir."

***

Jake drew me into a hug as soon as we left my father's room. His face was buried into my shoulder. And though he was silent, the tightening of his grasp on my arms was trying to say something that his heart could not muster.

"What's wrong, Jake? Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I just want to say that... I love you and I am here for you."

"I love you too, Jake. And I'm always here for you too." - I ran my hand along the length of his back, trying to soothe him. He suddenly was like a little kid, craving for attention.

Finally, he let go of my shoulders. His face beamed in a newfound respite.

"Let us go see a sunflower field, Bailey."

As a result, we spent much of our time in a sunflower field on the outskirts of Helianford while waiting for Alan. We took walks amid the golden petals, spoke about random thoughts that came to mind, took some photos for our friends (even though Jake wasn't in any of them), and promised to all return here one day.