The Chronicles: Green Night

Loving Parents

"Francis! Michael! Dinner's ready!" my mother called from the kitchen window, trying to get our attention while we were immersed in a game of hide-and-seek in the backyard.

I was too engrossed in the game, focused on my father's approaching footsteps and the tree I was hiding behind. I didn't respond to my mother's calls, my breath quickened with anticipation, and a wide grin adorned my face as I did my best to remain quiet. I knew my father was drawing near; I could hear the faint rustling of branches as he moved closer.

I shifted my gaze away from the source of the sounds, hoping that if I didn't look, he might not spot me. I flinched as a small yellow leaf landed on my head. He probably heard that, so I decided to reposition myself.

But where should I hide?

My eyes fell on a sizable pile of leaves next to the tree, some of them being carried away by the wind. The rustling of the forest was the background symphony to my adventure, with the birds as the vocalists.

Maybe he won't hear me as I sneak into the pile. The rustling should cover the sound. I had to try; otherwise, he'd find me, and I'd miss out on dessert.

With newfound determination, I rolled to the side and concealed myself behind a large rock near the tree. I cautiously peeked over the top to monitor my father's movements. He continued his slow, deliberate approach, taking small steps to avoid making noise.

Hah! I'm too smart for that; you can't outwit me!

Glancing back at the pile of leaves, I continued my adventure. I crawled behind the stone, heading toward a cluster of bushes. I had to pass through an opening before reaching the cover of a bush, a risky manoeuvre. However, I had to do it now; otherwise, my father would catch me. I made a swift roll toward the bushes and managed to get behind them in a matter of seconds.

All that remained was to get into the pile of leaves, and I'd have won in just five more minutes! I crawled as swiftly as I could and, once inside, covered myself with the leaves that had tumbled to the side to disappear completely.

He'll never find me!

I waited patiently, attempting to calm myself by placing a hand over my mouth. Just a few more minutes, and victory would be mine!

"There you are!" my father suddenly exclaimed as he leaped into the leaf pile and scooped me up. Despite being caught, I couldn't help but laugh, tickled by my father's playfulness.

"Thought you could outsmart me, huh?" he teased, squeezing me in a hug. I hugged him back and giggled as he lifted me out of the leaves.

"What took you so long? Didn't you hear me calling you?" my mother chided, giving my father and me a stern look.

"We had to finish the game. You can't just stop in the middle of a game, dear," my father explained with a grin, setting me on my feet beside the dining table.

"That's right, Mom! You can't just quit mid-game!" I chimed in after giving my mother a hug.

"Alright, alright. The important thing is the food is still warm." She returned my embrace and settled me in a chair.

After my father kissed my mother, they both took their seats at the table, and we began eating.

"How was your day at school, sweetie?" my mother asked as she spooned some soup onto my plate.

"It was okay. Mr. Nowak showed us what a werewolf looks like, and we talked about our first magic test. Moritz pushed me while we were playing catch, and I made a drawing of us. Do you want to see it?" I asked, preparing to get up.

"Yes, dear, but you need to finish your soup first." My mother gently guided me back to my seat, stroking my head.

"Okay," I pouted but begrudgingly took the large spoon and began eating the soup.

"When do you have to leave for Romania again? I want to prepare some food for your trip," my mother inquired of my father, who was peacefully enjoying his soup.

"In two days. Don't worry, Jakob and I can grab something on the way," he replied with a grin.

"You know I can't let you go without ensuring you eat something healthy. I can already imagine what you two would eat if I didn't prepare anything. You already smoke, and I don't want you harming your body further. I'll pack enough food for both of you for two days," my mother insisted.

"If you say so," my father chuckled.

After finishing my soup, I raced up to my room to retrieve the drawing I wanted to show my parents. I located it under my bed and hurried back downstairs.

"Francis! No running down the stairs; you might trip and hurt yourself," my mother cautioned, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

I slowed down as I descended the staircase, eventually reaching my parents, who were sitting on the couch watching a movie. I eagerly displayed my artwork.

It depicted my parents, me, and a little puppy walking through the woods. We didn't have a dog, but I'd been yearning for one for as long as I could remember. It all began after I visited Maja, and her golden retriever had played fetch with us. My parents promised I'd get a dog after going through the initiation ceremony, but it was still a long way off.

"That's a lovely picture, sweetheart. We'll put it front and centre on our refrigerator," my mother remarked as she took the drawing and headed into the kitchen.

"Dad?"

"Yes?"

"When do I get to do the ceremony?"

"When you're ready."

"But I am ready!"

"Sweetie, you're not ready. Why do I have a feeling you're just eager to get the puppy I promised?" he asked, giving me a knowing look and a smile.

Busted! What do I do now?

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I replied, slowly backing away from my dad. He was on to my scheme.

"Don't worry, Francis; there's plenty of time to get you a puppy," he assured, offering me a warm smile before returning his attention to the TV.