The Blind Woman and The Hyena

XIII

Two years passed, and Alma and Zuko remained in their old home. Still, despite her lover's abuse, she was the same loving yet kind-hearted woman known to man. Zuko was now six years old, and Alma was twenty-six. The world had fallen into chaos after the deaths of Whitebeard and Ace. Luffy and the others had finally reunited, and once more began their journey.

"Mama, is there any news about Bellamy?" asked Zuko.

"I'm not sure," Alma said, tilting her head. "Why don't you go check the mail?"

"Okie!" he ran into the yard, tripping and jumping over the small rocks. Reaching for the small door, he peeked inside. Much to his surprise, he saw nothing but a single cobweb inside.

"He hasn't sent anything," Zuko mutters under his breath.

"Hey, Zuko," said a familiar voice.

"Grandpa, there's nothing in the mailbox again," said Zuko, "When is Bellamy going to write to us again?"

"Oh, Zuko," his grandfather muttered, "It's been two years since he wrote to you and Alma. You know how long mail takes to arrive."

"Yeah, but his mail always comes around this time," Zuko counters, "What if he forgot?"

"He doesn't forget about you and Alma," his grandfather said.

"Zuko, papá," Alma  called from the doorframe, "Come on inside; I made lunch!"

"Coming!" they said in unison.

"Whatever you do, don't tell your mother about this," said Zuko's grandfather.

"Okay," Zuko nods.

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"Alma, where's Akashi?" asked her father, "I haven't seen him this past week."

Alma giggled. "He's out doing errands." "I asked him if he could buy food at the market down the street."

"Is that so?" her father muttered. " You know, he has been nothing but trouble since the day I met him! You and Zuko are better off without him!"

"Papá, you know I don't want Zuko to grow up without a father," Alma says, "Besides, I love him too much to leave him."

"Alma, please," her father begged, "I can't risk losing you. You and Zuko are special to me."

"Apa," Alma smiles softly. "I'm fine. Whether I leave him, every household needs more than one parent."

"Still, you know how much I worry," her father replies. "I can hardly sleep just by thinking of what that man does to you."

"I know Akashi is capable of change," Alma smiles. "He just needs time to prove himself."

Zuko looks down at his empty plate and then at Alma, "Mama, may I be excused?"

"Of course," Alma replies. "Make sure you read the new book I got you!"

"I know!" Zuko chirped and made his way to his room.

"Let me help you with the dishes," her father says.

"No, papá," Alma protests. "I got it.''

"Ah! It would be best if you learned how to accept some help, Alma," sighed her father.

"You know I take after you," she pouts. "Besides, I love cleaning."

"Regardless of that, your hands are all sore just by all this cleaning you do," her father retorts.