Consequence of Oversight

Predicaments in Parenting

Finally, the week was over. 

Hazel had never been so happy in her entire life. The extra meditation meant more strange visions, and it got harder to hide them from Master Kenobi. On top of it all, she had become frustrated and confused by a lack of answers about her 'visions' and what they meant. Which, in turn, caused her to be slightly unpleasant.

"I don't understand, master. She's never acted this way before..." A frustrated Obi-wan sat down at the table with the force ghost as he watched Hazel play with the sand as she read one of her holobooks outside. 

"Perhaps she needs a break. After all, you've just made her meditate more than she ever has before." 

"Perhaps..."

"I seem to recall a time when you got overwhelmed with your studies. And I also remember that you enjoyed visiting the room of a thousand fountains to calm yourself." Qui-Gon hinted.

The men both looked to the girl outside noticing her bleak demeanor. As she rose to come inside, the apparition faded leaving the Kenobi by himself.

When Hazel came back inside, Obi-wan sat her down to talk. "Hazel, I have come to realize that you have been working very hard at your studies and meditation. Maybe a bit too hard...so, I have decided that a break might be in order." Hazel was filled with relief at the thought. "I have decided that you deserve to see something new, and I think it's high time you visited the town." 

"You mean it?!" Hazel bounced with excitement. 

"Yes, I do." Obi-wan smiled at her enthusiasm.

◃◬▹

The town wasn't far away. At least, not when riding an Eopie. However, Obi-wan only had one, and she was sick from eating mushrooms off of their vaporator. However, the long, hot walk was worth it. 

When they entered the city, the girl's eyes grew wide, and a smile planted itself on her face. Hazel loved how many people were going in and out of the streets and the sights, sounds, and smells of the market. Her favorite thing, though, was seeing the children her age in town. Of course, she wasn't allowed to talk to any of them yet, but she waved to them from time to time and it seemed that they took a liking to her.

"I didn't know you had a daughter, Ben." The shopkeeper, Marcus, commented. 

"Yes, well, she usually stays at home, but I thought I would bring her along today," Obi-wan explained. Hazel was confused as to why everyone called her master 'Ben', but she decided to ask about it later. 

"Well, it's nice to meet you, little one!" Marcus exclaimed. 

"Thank you. And you as well." Hazel muttered shyly.

Both men's hearts melted at her adorable meekness.

After buying what they needed, the duo started the walk back home. 

"Master, isn't the hut that way?" Hazel questioned. 

"Yes, but we are going to make a quick stop first." The girl just shrugged and followed her master until eventually, they approached a rock formation.

Settling in their spot, Obi-wan took out a small binocular device from his cloak and fixated on a spot in the distance. When he found what he was looking for, he gave the device to Hazel to show her what lay in the distance. 

A white stone structure peek out from the sand, a woman and child outside it. Hazel observed a small little boy playing in the sand, the woman watching the toddler with fondness. She noticed his light blonde hair and baggy clothes with interest. She knew this youngling...but from where?