Found (New Earth Saga)

Ch. 3

The scream that I so desperately needed to scream didn't come out. While New Earth doesn't really have deers to get caught in headlights like they say on Earth, I was like a little helpless frightened animal, frozen before facing their death. I squeezed my eyes shut, hoping my death would be so fast that it wouldn't actually be painful.

"River?!"

Wait... nothing happened.

I opened my eyes, blinking up at Thomas as he crouched down, cupping one of his enormous hands behind me.

"River oh my goodness! Are you alright? I almost- Mother earth! Why didn't you say anything?!"

"I'm sorry! I was coming back inside,"

"Thomas! I've called the police!" Blue announced as she stepped outside of the sliding back door.

"No need, she's right here,"

I sat up, adjusting my backpack now that I was in an upright position.

"RIVER! Oh my goodness! We were so worried!" Blue crouched down next to Thomas, looking at me with clear concern. "By the gods, you're shaking like a leaf! What happened?"

"I-I went outside t-to do some art. I'm sorry,"

"I very nearly stepped on her," Thomas said as his hand rested on his temple, blocking his expression for a moment.

"Thomas! How could you!"

"No, it's my fault. I didn't say anything. I got scared. It's my fault because I went outside. I usually go outside in the morning, but I don't know the rules here yet, so I shouldn't have done it," I said, trying to release the tension.

"No, you should be comfortable to move about freely here, I think it just surprised us since you really only went in your room last night,"

"Did you get to look around the house? We've made some renovations over the years to make things more accessible, but if there's anything that needs updating we can do that," Thomas added.

I thanked them, feeling a bud of warmth begin to blossom in my chest. This family so clearly loved the River they'd raised until she was almost 6. I think of that version of myself as someone completely separate, for I can't remember how I was, but I do hope I live up to being a person so worthy of their love.

Blue suggested we go inside and get some breakfast, a task that should have been simple, but of course I had to ruin the moment when Blue's hand came down in front of me, palm up, inviting me to step on, I think.

"Sorry!" Blue apologized, pulling her hand away. "You can meet us inside and use the human door if you'd like,"

Thank goodness she'd suggested that. I agreed, to see my own way in, and Blue and Thomas quickly rose and headed inside. It was intimidating to see them from this vantage, but less so now that I knew they were aware of where I was. I guess it's not such a good idea to sneak up on a giant from the ground. Dueling noted.

By the time I made it inside I was surprised to find an entire group of giants standing in the kitchen. Of course there was Blue and Thomas, but there were also two giant police officers and a woman dressed in a gray suit. I was just entertaining the idea of warming up to Blue and Thomas... I was in no way, shape, or form ready to meet more giants. I froze, hoping I'd somehow evaporate and not have to have more awkward interactions, but of course I was very quickly spotted.

To my surprise, there had actually been more people present than just the giants I saw at a quick glance. The two giant police officers were each carrying a human police officer. And the woman in the gray suit had a human man sitting on her shoulder as if it was the most mundane thing. How were these humans so cool to be around giants?! Sh#t this means I must REALLY look like an offensive idiot to the Reed's when I cower away from them as they're being so nice. Purl Town did not prepare me for any of this. I suppose I was always meant to have this, until my mom purchased me like a shady drug deal on the blackmarket.