I Can't Remember

[24] Before It All Crumbled To Pieces

Whoo, what's this? (the consequen--) a new chapter, so early? Haha thought you guys deserved one. A break as well as a chapter! It's pretty short but I hope you like it!

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"Tommy!"

A young boy was running across the large, lush, green fields. His brown curls bounced on his head as did the wooden sword strapped at his waist. On the other side of the field, a blond man was carrying a small boy, also blond, in his arms.

"Wilby!" The boy shouted back. He wiggled in the man's arms, who let him down on the grass. Instantly, the blond kid shot ahead and ran towards the brunet, who met him within seconds. The force of the collision sent them both flying to the ground, the blond boy on top. The flailing of arms and hair made the man smile.

"You're here!" Wilbur exclaimed. His voice was muffled in Tommy's hair, "I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too! You would have loved it there!"

"Oh yeah? Was Clay there?"

"Yeah! And he goes by Dream now! Isn't that cool?'"

They stayed in that position for hours, just chatting about Tommy's vacation in the Greater SMP and Wilbur's fun in their home. Both boys were on summer vacation. While Tommy, always the explorer, decided to go with his father to meet some friends; Wilbur stayed behind to learn new things. Tommy wrinkled his nose at the suggestion, but Wilbur knew that he would be begging to learn all the piano and guitar that Wilbur had learnt the past month. He already pestered Wilbur to teach him how to sing well. Between piano, guitar, and farming lessons with Technoblade, it was a hectic and productive month for him.

Technoblade came out of the house to see what the commotion was about. Upon seeing Phil, he grinned and walked towards him. They hugged and sat on the grass too, near enough to supervise the giddy children, but far enough to keep their conversations private.

"What I don't get," started Phil, "is why Wilbur wants to learn a thousand skills this year."

"Let him live, Phil," said Technoblade. He rubbed his forehead, irritated. He was tired of this conversation. "He's only eleven."

"Exactly! He will turn twelve soon! He wouldn't have much time to do all this anyway! You know he will be training with you after that! He's the oldest, he needs those skills! Juggling your training with school won't allow him enough time! Heaven, I would prefer if he didn't even go to school during that time–"

"Phil!" Techno admonished. "We have discussed this. He is not dropping out of school. How will he know what to do with the lessons I give him if he doesn't even have the context?"

"He still knows how to read and write–"

"Not well enough."

"You can teach him history so he knows what you mean–"

"Not. Good. Enough."

"Fine! Fine, he can go to school. I guess it wouldn't hurt to educate him further."

If you asked Phil, secondary education wasn't necessary to become a great warrior. He never had any education and he turned out fine! Wilbur would have time for that after he learns all that he needs from Technoblade. Still, he knew Techno loved his brother-like nephew too much to listen. They were of similar age anyway, and Techno was a lot better at strategy than Phil, so he decided not to push him too much.

A burst of laughter pulled Phil back to the present. He grinned to himself. They would cross that bridge when they got to it. For now, his two kids, his angels, were reunited and happy. It was his job as a parent to take care of them.

He looked up at the sky. Phil wasn't the best father, he knew that, but he hoped he was doing okay. If not... he was sure his wife would happily guide him back to the right.

I believe in you, whispered the winds.

Phil allowed himself another small smile.

"Thank you," he whispered to himself.

He closed his eyes, laid back, and enjoyed the breeze; which felt like the gentle caress of his lover's hands.

please note: The reason Phil is seen in a positive light here (despite his very questionable parenting skills,) is that this chapter is mostly from Phil's point of view. It doesn't necessarily mean that he's as good of a father as he thinks. Phil's case is a 'good intentions giving bad results' kind of situation. Keep that in mind, please.

[12-06-2023]