CatBoy[ON HOLD]

Chapter 7

It had been a few weeks since Maeko's father was banished. Maeko wasn't doing any better. He wouldn't eat, sleep or talk. He wouldn't go outside. Hana cared for him.

Hana walked into Maeko's hut, carrying a glass of water. She approached Maeko, who was sitting by the fire in the middle of the floor.

Sitting down beside him, she put the glass down. "Maeko. Are you alright?"

He looked at her, a tear rolling down his sunken pale cheeks. He shook his head. Hana took him into an embrace. "It's alright. You're safe."

Maeko pulled away, trying hard not to break down. He was angry that he couldn't hold it together. But I just hurt. His father had talked about his mother's death like it was his fault. It wasn't. Was it? Maeko shut his eyes tight and put his head in his hands.

Hana stared at the fire. She remembered when Maeko had appeared in her bedroom. That had been almost a month ago. Now he had changed from that funny, lovable, sweet guy to a depressed, quiet, sick boy.

Hana handed Maeko the water. He took it and obediently drank it. His eyes, which had once held happiness and sparkle, now were dull and sad. He looked at Hana and started to cry again. She took him in her arms and carried him to the bed, laying him under the soft blanket. She lay down beside him.

Maeko's eyes shut and his breathing slowed to a soft snore. Hana held him clise, as if afraid to lose the person who saved her.