Little Lux

12

October 15th, 2022 - Los Angeles, California

Lux sat criss cross on plush carpet of the living room floor. The house had been weirdly quiet today since Vincent and August were out at some sort of 'appointment' for the day. She wasn't sure what it was about but she had a feeling  it had something to do with the nightmare he had a few nights ago.

There was a picture book open in front of her but she wasn't paying it much attention as she mindlessly flicked through the colourful pages. Sebastian was a few rooms away in the kitchen, preparing a snack for the small girl. She could hear the rhythmic sound of the man moving around, pots clinking together and the fridge opening and closing.  Whilst part of it was almost comforting and soothing (the sound of a home, a place meant to be comforting), another part of her mind wondered if it was enough noise to block out the sound of her simply slipping out the front door.

She flicks to another page, shaking the thoughts out of her head. She'd been slightly on edge ever since that little incident a few nights ago and she wasn't really sure why.

The door to the living room is pushed open further as Sebastian enters, carrying a plate of neatly arranged finger sandwiches and a small sippy cup full of juice.

"Hey, sweetheart," he said warmly, setting the plate on the low coffee table near her. "I thought you'd like a little snack. How's your book coming along?"

Lux glanced up briefly, her fingers still absently flicking the corner of a page. "It's okay," she replied softly, her voice barely above a mumble. She hesitated, eyes darting back to the colorful illustrations before her. The plan forming in her mind felt risky but urgent. Today, with only Sebastian here, might be her best chance.

Sebastian settled into the couch behind her. He tilted his head slightly, observing her with quiet affection. "You're awfully quiet today," he noted. "Anything on your mind?"

Lux shakes her head, picking up one of the little finger sandwiches and nibbling at the edge. Jam. One of her favourites.

Sebastian smiled at the sight of her eating, his eyes soft. She was such a neat little eater, her bites small and tentative. "Good girl," he murmured, leaning back into the couch. "If you want to talk about anything, I'm here."

Lux nods, continuing to nibble at the snack. "Where... where are papa and August today?" She asks quietly.

Sebastian's expression softened further at her question, though there was a flicker of caution in his gaze. He didn't want to overwhelm her with too much information. "Papa took August to see someone who helps with bad dreams," he explained gently. "Just something to help August feel a little better after the other night."

"Does he often have nightmares?"

Sebastian paused, considering his response carefully. He didn't want to frighten Lux or make her feel like she needed to shoulder any responsibility for August's well-being. "Sometimes," he said softly, leaning forward slightly. "August has been through a lot and sometimes the bad memories can reappear in the form of nightmares."

"What has he been through?" Lux presses, curiosity getting the better of her. In all truth, she had been wondering what August has gone through even since her last question about the topic had been completely shut down.

Sebastian's smile faded slightly, and he sat back, his gaze distant for a moment as if considering how best to answer. He didn't want to burden Lux with too much, but she was asking, and perhaps this was her way of seeking understanding.

"Well," Sebastian begins, trying to explain this in an age-appropriate way. "Some things happened which made him very very scared for a long time - ages before he came to live with papa and I."