Forgotten (Book 1 of the Remembrance Series)

Family

   I skipped along the sidewalk, many giving me annoyed or fearful glances. My plans were running smoothly, all I had to do was make sure everyone played along the script. Having to improvise would be such a drag...
   I felt my heart twist suddenly, making me stop. I stood and stared ahead blankly as I slowly raised a hand to my chest, shaking hands grasping the fabric that shielded it. Was this what Shizu-Chan felt when I was away for a long time? Was this sorrow? No, it couldn't be... I sighed, turning home bound. I would ignore all problems for the next few days and spend time with Shizuo and Mioku, yes. We would do family things, go shopping, and go to the theater!
   A wide smile danced on my face as I rushed home. Today was only for Mioku, Shizuo, and me. Nothing would ruin this, not even the end of the world!

                                                                ◆♥◆

   I pushed the door open with a grin, Shizuo practically falling off the couch with surprise. Mioku erupted into giggles as he pulled the papers up, pressing them to his chest. His face burned a bright red as he scowled slightly, turning his gaze to the floor.
   "Daddy is a artice!" Mioku cheered, holding up a sketch of Shizuka for me to see. I gave a chuckle at her pronunciation. Shizuo's face had become even redder as he shuffled the drawings back together. Maybe we could just stay home today... that would still be fun! A purr dragged my gaze down to where Shizuka stood, slinking between my legs. Smiling, I threw my jacket to the side before picking her up, scratching behind her ears. I sat besides Shizuo and examined the drawings, a smile growing on my features. Most were of Mioku and I, although a few were of plants and animals...
   One was of my office. I sat in a chair as a figure behind me sat huddled up in blankets. Snow flitted from the sky, dancing about on the opposite side of the glass. The figure behind me, Shizuo, had more shadowed features, making him appear wan and hollow, while mine shown as if a lamp were before me. Shizuo examined my expression as I picked the drawing up, holding it close to my face. My heart twisted again, but even more painfully than before. This time, it hurt. It felt like someone was trying to rip it out.
   Shizuka crawled out of my lap as I hugged Shizuo tightly. We sat like that for a long time, until Mioku squirmed between us.
   The couch wasn't that big, not really, but it didn't stop us from all laying down, cuddling up like a family. It was warm... I could feel the love rolling off of us in the air, warm and light, like a toasted bubble, if that's even possible. Even if it wasn't we had our own 'toasted bubble.' Ours only, and no one, nor nothing, could ever ruin that. Never!
   I would protect these two with my life, do whatever it takes to see them to safety. I wouldn't let any harm come to either of them ever again. I was God, and no human would be able to hurt those I love without facing the consequences!