Unwanted Heroes

chapter two: a first for everything

"Min-Min, why are the people staring at you like you're doing something wrong?" Al asked, looking up at her caretaker.

Minerva sighed tiredly, leading the small child into a silent street in the Domestic and Medical District. "It's nothing, Al," Minerva soothed her. "Let's go to the park."

Al yanked her hand out of Minerva's. The eight-year-old was perceptive enough to know something was bothering her caretaker.

She needed to help her.

"Min-Min, I know something's wrong," Al demanded.

"Nothing is wrong, Al."

"Y-You can talk to me about it, you know," Al said in a small voice.

"There is nothing to talk about," Minerva snapped, regretting it right after.

Silence passed between them awkwardly. It was stifling; almost like the air between them was filled with nitrogen, and anytime now, a flame would make everything burst.

"Al." The eight-year-old lifted her gaze up to the tall, African-American woman, holding out her hand, beckoning her to come.

Obediently, she took Minerva's hand, squeezing it tightly. A small smile spread upon Al's face as she squeezed it back.

Maybe things really were okay...

"That lady's with a vero!"

"Why in her right mind does she want to take care of a vero?"