Before we fall

(Chp.11) Dont you Speak?

As Simon rambled on about his past Karl simply nodded along, GC had long since fallen asleep. This went on for an hour or two befor Karl cleared his throat, signifying he was about to speak.

"You know, Simon. I think I'll take you up on your previous offer; why don't you take GC down to the market tomarrow and help her shop for groceries, using my money of course." Karl proposed, stopping Simon mid story- though he gladly listened; how could he not after all Karl had done for him?

"You see, the people down there don't trust her to shop alone anymore. I belive she might have stolen an apple or two befor I took her in- and of course I can't go with her myself, it's far to bright out there for my taste." Karl explained, revealing a small amount of information about GC and himself. It was true, this was the case and it often left the cupboard in their house bare- a sight Karl hated to see.

"Oh but of course! Anything for you after all you've done to help me." Simon replied with a warm smile, if that was all the boy wanted in return for saving Simon's life he would gladly accept.

"Then I must thank you, I'll tell her when she wakes- again." Karl speaks, his facial expression in a constant poker face- rarely wavering.

"No not at all, after all I do owe you." Simon refused the thanks. Leaning back in his chair and taking another sip of his water befor continuing his, rather exhausting, story.

A few hours have passed and the sun has just risen.

With the sun's rising Karl quickly shut all of the curtains, lighting a few candle lit lamps around the room after doing so. Simon thought this to be rather odd but shook it off, everyone had their preferences. With the day time's arrival GC was to wake, it was like an internal clock residing deep within her was telling her when to get up since the sun's bright and shining light couldent.

The small girl sat up with a grumble and lightly rubbed her eyes befor noticing the absence of Karl and her new friend Simon.

She hopped off the couch and walked to the kitchen to see Simon eating a peice of, slightly burnt, toast and Karl standing beside him- the sounds of idle chit chat filling the air. As the two noticed the girl was finally awake Simon offered GC a peice of toast, to which she declined; GC could never eat breakfast, it made her nauseous to eat so soon after waking.

"Simon is going to take you down to the market today GC, make sure to stock up. The storm let up over night but you should still dress warm, the snow is melting remarkably quickly but it is still rather chilly with all the wind." Karl informed GC, handing her a glass of water to help her further wake up. To this GC simply nodded, sipping the water; the feel of the cold liquid soothed her throat, which was less painful than the night befor but still stung terribly.

"Oh and make sure to buy more medical supplies, we'll deffineitly need more bandage wrap." Karl reminded GC one more, with the rate their wounds were healing it would be awhile befor they could remove the bandaged and let the wounds breath for longer than a few minuts.

"Hey kiddo you exited? With how long this storm has been I doubt youvd been out of the house in quite the long while." Simon asked, spinning around in his chair to get a better look at the little girl. To his childish inquiry GC nodded. She was rather exited to go out to the town, even if it was just to go to the market- and with the weather clearing up she would get to spend more time down by the river! Though mainly to do laundry, but she still loved the feel of the warmed water rushing around her ankles as the water dwelling creates relocated to stay out of the humans way.

"Say, do you talk at all?" Simon inquired once more. To this question GC's happy expression lightened abit, she did miss using her voice but it hurt to much to do so- thankfully she had Karl to awnser this question for her.

"No, she doesent. Don't you see that bandage on her neck? She got in an- accident, we don't know long it be befor she can use her voice again..." Karl spoke in a defensive tone of voice. Who was this man to come into his home and begin asking insensitive questions??? Why, he was never seen such a crude man in his life!

"Oh- sorry I was just curious." Simon apologised with his head slung low, only now notcing the little girl's dreary disposition beside Karl's upset and defensive one. Simon felt rather bad for stirring up such emotion in the two- he had never been good at that sort of thing. It was just then Karl let out a sigh, placing a hand on GC's back that sent her slowly up the stairs- off to get ready for the day.

"It's fine, you two should be off soon befor the large morning rush- you can often find the best deals then." Karl spoke up, trying to put Simon's offensive inquiry behind them as he set GC's, now empty, glass in the kitchen sink. Walking over to a small wooden door beside the stairs and dashing inside.

The room was pitch black and smelled of roses, Simon dared not to follow Karl in- which was probably the smartest decision he had and will ever make in his life time. Shortly after going in Karl emerged with a small satchel of, presumably, coins for the market. The satchel appeared rather full, that confused Simon; he was almost certain that the two kids lived on their own, how could they come into such wealth on their own?

Simon quickly shook theese thoughts from his mind as he heard GC slowly making her way down the stairs, she was now dressed in a rather torn and used appearing garment- something most women would have thrown away; which is probably how she came into owning it as it looked rather large on her. There were a few poorly sewn stitches that indicated she had tried to alter it to fit her better and failed. When she finally reached the bottom of the stair case Karl handed her the satchel of coins and a coat.

"Please don't take too long, the streets of this town get more and more dangerous every day. Though I trust Simon to keep you safe- enough, at the market." Karl knelt down and embraced GC in a small hug befor pulling away, helping her put on the coat- which fit rather large on her and only then standing up fully.

"Don't worry, we'll be speedy!" Simon assured Karl as he opened the door for GC, giving Karl a small wave goodbye befor exiting himself- shutting the door behind him with a small click.

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