Wave to the Sky (Omegaverse)

Chapter 4: A Place Called Home

As I watched Arthur disappear down the street, I continued on my familiar path, tracing the same route I'd walked for months since Dad kicked me out. It had been almost a year since then, and not a word from him since.

My thoughts were interrupted by a familiar sight near a pile of boxes: Tigger, the neighborhood feral cat, known for scavenging through garbage cans. The dim light cast by a nearby lamppost illuminated its sleek gray fur as it surveyed the pile.

"What's going on over there?" I muttered to myself, curious about the cat's unusual behavior. Before I could investigate further, something darted from the boxes, catching me off guard. I nearly screamed as I watched a rat scamper across the alley, with Tigger hot on its trail.

Tigger lunged after the rodent, but it slipped through a hole in an old stone fence, out of reach. Disappointed, the cat turned to face me, its emerald eyes boring into mine, as if sizing me up.

"Well, tough break," I remarked, feeling a pang of sympathy. The cat continued to stare, unblinking. Remembering the sandwiches Sister Mary had given me, I rummaged in my bag and retrieved one I'd already taken a bite of.

I tore off a chunk and crouched down slowly, intending to offer it to Tigger. But the cat hissed at me, wary of my approach. "Easy, Tigger," I said, correcting myself. Although I'd mentally given the cat a name, I felt a reluctance to speak it aloud. "Hey, Kitty, Kitty. I've got something for you. It's safe."

I gingerly placed the bread in front of the cat, reassuring it in a hushed tone. Slowly backing away, I watched as Tigger cautiously approached the offering. "There you go. Enjoy," I whispered, before quietly continuing on my way, leaving Tigger to its meal.

I strolled back home, a dreary three-story building divided into several rooms on each floor. Despite its lackluster appearance, the small yard adorned with potted plants added a touch of charm. Mrs. Gibson, the landlady, tended to her flowers with devotion, speaking to them as if they could respond. Her husband's passing and her children's departure had left her alone in the building, yet she remained a delight to converse with.

As I admired the star-shaped asters blooming in the yard, Mrs. Gibson's voice startled me. She stood on the patio, bathed in lamplight, her presence casting a warm glow.

"They're called asters," she explained, drawing my attention back to the flowers' delicate beauty.

"They're beautiful," I remarked with a smile, appreciating her knowledge.

"If you look to your left, you'll see more," she suggested. Following her gaze, I marveled at the myriad of autumn flowers, each one a testament to nature's artistry.

"Thanks for the lesson," I said, feeling enriched by our brief exchange.

Returning to the building's entrance, I paused, struck by a sudden curiosity. "What brings you out here?" I asked softly.

"Just needed some fresh air," Mrs. Gibson replied, her voice tinged with melancholy. "Memories of my kids crept in, but I'll shake off the blues soon enough."

With a nod, I continued inside, passing Jessica and Louis's door. The couple, fellow Asians from Taiwan, ran a small shop selling Chinese-made goods. Their products ranged from impressive to gimmicky, but their entrepreneurial spirit always impressed me.

"Oh, Loony, it's just you," Jessica greeted as she noticed me.

"Jessica, why were you peeking outside?" I asked with concern. "It's not safe to do that."

"I was actually waiting for you," she admitted hesitantly.

"For me?" I echoed, surprised. "What for?"

"Well, Louis and I need to ask you a favor," she began, sounding unsure.

"Let me guess, you want me to watch over the shop again, or look after Emery?" I anticipated, knowing these were their usual requests.

"The thing is..." Jessica hesitated, "Louis and I need to go to the port. Our shipment from home is arriving tomorrow."

"So you want me to take care of Emery while you're gone," I concluded. "Sure, I can help."

Relief washed over Jessica's face. "Thank you so much, Loony. We knew we could count on you."

"Well, you've always been kind to me," I replied, feeling a sense of obligation.

"Come on in!" Jessica urged, taking my arm and leading me inside. Louis was seated on the worn sofa, engrossed in something.

"Loony, my boy!" Louis exclaimed, setting aside whatever he was reading. "It's been too long since we last saw you."

"Yeah, I've been pretty busy," I mumbled.

"We're just about to have dinner. Please, join us," Jessica offered, already bustling around the kitchen.

"Oh, I don't want to intrude," I demurred politely.

"Nonsense!" Louis protested. "We always enjoy your company."

"He's right. Although it might not be much, it's the least we can do for you, always helping us out," Jessica added.

"I appreciate that, but I understand times are tough for you too," I replied.

"Don't worry about us. We'll manage," Louis reassured, giving my shoulder a friendly squeeze. "You've always been so polite, and that's why we like having you around."

With a gentle nudge, he guided me towards the dining table, making me feel like part of their family.

"Jessica, call your son," Louis instructed. "It's time for dinner."

"Hold on," Jessica responded, her voice tinged with frustration. "Emery! Dinner's ready. Come out of your room." Despite her calls, the silence remained unbroken. "What's he up to now?" With a sigh, she left the room to fetch him.

"Loony, take a seat," Louis urged, pulling out a chair for me.

"Thanks," I said, settling into the chair he offered. Sitting beside Louis, I couldn't help but feel grateful for their kindness. Despite knowing them for less than a year, they had already become like family to me, more so than the man my mother had chosen to marry.

"Were you out trying to sell your paintings again?" Louis inquired, his concern evident in his tone.

I nodded. "Yeah, managed to sell three this time."

"That's great to hear," he replied with a proud smile.

"Oh, I almost forgot," he added suddenly, rising from his seat and crossing the room to a nearby coffee table. Retrieving something from underneath, he returned and handed me a small rectangular box.

"What's this?" I asked, surprised by the unexpected gift.

"A present, of course," Louis answered with a grin. "We heard from Mrs. Gibson that it was your birthday a few days ago. You should have told us!"

"I didn't think it was a big deal," I admitted. "Just another day."

"Nonsense," Louis protested. "Every birthday is special." His words warmed my heart, and I nodded in agreement. "Would you like to open it now?"

"Well, I think it's only fair to wait for Jessica and Emery," I suggested, not wanting to exclude them from the moment.