Warmth

Chapter 7 - Lights

ARTHUR LEYWIN

As I stepped foot in the portal, I felt my body being pulled—the world zoomed, my stomach churned. I felt the warm embrace of the portal. My foot landed on the ground and the cold gust of wind penetrated my clothes.

I looked around the area. 

People were outside, enjoying the cold breeze and the colorful sky. Children were playing, running around. The lamps around the countless stalls—lit the dark night, brighter. ‘I guess I can bring some food for Ellie.’ 

While walking around, I looked at the stalls. 

‘What does Ellie like?’ I tried to remember her favorite food but I couldn’ think of anything. Maybe sweets? That could work, who doesn’t like sweets? ‘Right, Sylvie?’ Getting no reply, ‘Sylvie?’ 

‘I’m sleeping,’ She sent. I grumbled at her response. 

‘Do you want meat?’ Sylvie’s head on my arm nodded. I brought 15 BBQ’s. As I was walking home, I saw a girl with black short hair, crying. Her hands on her eyes—wiping the manifesting tears. 

She stood next to a dessert stall. ‘Looks like she’s lost,’ I walked towards the girl, I knelt down and said, “Hello there, little girl. Are you lost?”

Her head turned towards me, her eyes opening and revealed brown eyes. Her eyes peered into mine and she nodded. “Shall we look for them?” I smiled, offering my hand to the girl. The girl looked around. 

Hesitating to take a stranger’s hand, “Shall I introduce myself first? My name is Arthur Leywin, what about yours?” I grinned while pointing at myself. “M-my name is Layla Kloither,” She introduced while slightly shaking. 

“What a great name!” Layla smiled at my compliment. She took my hand, and took a look around us, I infused aether to my eyes—trying to look for someone who looked just like her and if someone was looking for a child. 

But to my avail, we couldn’t find anyone. I could feel Layla’s mood to gloom as we circled around and found no one. I sighed, “Do you want some cupcakes?” I grinned, my question seemed to lighten her expression as she nodded.

I picked her up and went towards the stall where I last saw her. 

“What flavor do you like?” Layla looked at the glass, her eyes dashing from one flavor to another. Her hands traveled from the glass to her chin and she thought of something. Her expression was serious and eyes were like a glare. 

“Hmmm…” A sigh escaped her mouth and she looked at me. Layla’s eyes were shining and she pointed at the chocolate cupcake, “That’s what I want Brother!” She grinned. I nodded and ordered the cupcakes. 

We walked towards the table next to the stall and sat her in a chair. Layla began to munched the cupcakes, and she looked at me—specifically my hair. “Vy da wey bwother, hat iz tat?” She asked while chewing. 

Her fingers were pointing at Sylvie who’s asleep in the top of my head. “Geez, don’t talk while eating,” I laughed. Layla flushed at my words, and looked down. I grabbed the asleep Sylvie and placed her on the table. 

“She’s Sylvie, and she’s my bond,” I answered. 

“Ohh! Can I touch her?” She asked, her eyes glowing. ‘Can she?’ I looked down at my bond and she gave me an exhale. “You can,” I smiled towards Layla. She reached out to Sylvie and began petting her. 

Layla grinned happily, her mouth slightly quivering as she pet her. 

“She’s so fluffy and cute!” She exclaimed. I laughed at her reaction and drank my iced tea. After a while, a woman who was sobbing came running to our table. My initial reaction was surprised and then I felt relieved.