haven - zb1

27

After Taehyun re-emerged from his room, he spent way more time with everyone, especially the children. Despite being only in his forties, his body bore closer resemblance to a seventy year old, hence being too fragile to play strenuously with the children. However, he still did his best, manipulating the earth to give them structures to play on or blowing streams of air to coerce joyful squeals and laughter.

When they were tired, he told stories to them with figures made of water and fire, dropping his voice low for added drama.

As he created forms of swirling flames, a young girl suddenly piped up, "I used to be able to do that."

Taehyun froze, his smile slipped a fraction but he quickly recovered and only said, "Oh?"

The girl nodded, "My parents used to be so happy that I was like them. Then, overnight, I couldn't."

"It's okay sweetie," Taehyun said, forcing a light-hearted tone, "You're still special to me. You all are."

"Once gifted," An older boy, in his mid-teens, suddenly remarked, "That's what we're known as, aren't we? Once gifted."

Taehyun's face fell, unable to respond, as the fire in his palm flickered and faded.