𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐒 | 𝐋.𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍

𝟓𝟖 | 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲

*

After our meeting, Hanji's group went to check on any sign of activity on any followers that might've snuck out. Whilst that was being done, the day was soon coming to an end. Sending Sasha out to keep watch for the time being, the rest began to make dinner up. It was going back to the normality of life, that strikes me, as it felt familiar but then unfamiliar. When was the last time we were able to sit in silence, with no one being abducted or even betrayed.

However the note I had kept troubled me, eagerly wanting to see what was written inside.

Tucking myself down the hallway of the abandoned house, my hand digs into my pocket and pulls out the crumpled paper. It was stained and old, like when you dip into black tea when it's stained. No matter, it would be still readable at least, but only a part of it was blurry at the very end. The handwriting was neat, noticing characters of some kind of language mother tried to teach me a while ago.

My eyes ran along, when the first few words left my heart spark a little.

~~~~

Year 841

To my dear Daughter, Akira

How is the Scouts? Are they treating you nicely? Hope everything is going well for you, and you're becoming strong. I wonder if this tyranny will end, with the titans. One day, I know you will find some solution and become a great soldier for humanity. Have you met anyone recently, or you're fond of?

Sorry I asked, I'm just curious with your life. I never got to become the woman I wanted to be, but I know I became the mother I wanted to be for you and your siblings. Things may seem rather unfair, but know that you shall not waver. If you ever feel troubled, discouraged, or even feeling hopeless, just know that you have me and your comrades.

I know you will be strong enough to push through, mentally and physically. It's a trait that runs in our family, and it will hopefully stretch to the later generations to come. I know this message is more of a lecture to you, I just want something for you to look back on. To think back, to dwell on and to clear your head if it's ever clouded with judgement.

Akira, you're my pride and joy........I just want you to know that......

From your mother, Katsumi

~~~~~~

Lowering the note in hand, I step back slowly and sat down on the old wooden bed, as it creaks beneath me. Tears threaten to spill, but I take a deep breath in and out while feeling myself reminiscing to the good old Scout days. The light in the room was dim, but enough to not show my cheeks reddening in frustration.

Gnawing on the inside of my cheek, I fold the letter and placed it back into my pocket with a dry smile.

Everyday since the Wall was breached, I sometimes have forgotten that my mother and siblings were no longer with me. Things were going downhill, but before I could even sink into despair, this letter somehow comes in, to feel this tender warmth in my chest. Fluttering my eyes shut, I take slow, deep breathes to ease myself. Reading her letters again, triggered something inside of me.

I know it's been five years since she left me, five years I had to bear the burden she was murdered.

"goddammit," I rest my face in the palms of my hand, while my shoulders sink further down. I couldn't go out there til I've settled down, as the emotions kept flooding in and piling on, one by one.

The distance laughter echoes down the hallway, hearing the lightness of the kids chattering.

I couldn't help but smile listening to the laughter, trying to find something to distract me from this. I know I'm safe, I know that there is nothing that could take me away. I held no pressure on the kids, and especially when I'm a superior with motives to protect these vulnerable kids. No one else would, and I have every reason to keep these children alive and safe. Their parents weren't fighters, nor would any risk their lives for themselves and I can tell.