Rogue Squad

You've Got a Friend In Me

The library is quiet. Just like always. My steps are slow as I walk to the section where Rina is always reading.

I approach the small seating area at the back of the huge room. Rina is all cozied up with a large book opened up in her lap. In her hands is a cup of, what smells to be, coffee. She's sipping it casually while reading her book.

Silently, I plop myself into the seat next to her. I rest the small wooden chest in my lap, and wait patiently.

I'm enjoying the silent company, until Rina looks up from her book and notices me. Her eyes widen in shock. She clearly wasn't expecting to see me.

She tucks her short black hair behind her ears. Then she closes the book in her lap.

"Lucia." She says quietly.

I give her a small, fragile smile. "Hi Rina."

"How are you faring?" She asks me, her voice a mere whisper.

I let out a small breath. My fingers tighten around the wooden box nervously. I drag my thumb slowly over the stylish indents on the side of the box. "I'm a mess..." I tell her honestly.

She places her book onto the small side table next to herself. Then she places her coffee mug on top of that. She scoots forward in her chair and in a comforting manner, places her hand on my forearm. "I'm so sorry Lucia. We all loved your mother. She was such a great woman and she loved you so much. She didn't deserve to go like that."

I nod my head at her caring words. "I know... She was selfless. Always cared about others more than herself. I can't believe she's really gone."

"You know she wouldn't want you to be sad."

"How can I not be?"

She nods her head in agreement. "It's nearly impossible. But at least try to think of the good things and maybe smile. After all, it's the good things she would want you to remember. Not the sadness in your heart."

"You're right Rina."

"And what's that box in your hands?"

"Oh. My Mom gave this to me."

"What's in it?"

She releases my arm as I tilt the box around in my hand. It's light. "No idea."

"You mean you didn't open it?" She asks, surprised.

I shake my head. "I couldn't bring myself to do it."

"Why not?" She asks, confused by my actions. I mean who wouldn't be? Guess I will explain.

I fiddle with the box. "My Mom, right before she died, told me that what's in this box, could make me hate her."

Rina's eyes go wide. "But you could never hate your Mom. You loved her more than anything."

I nod my head. "I know. But I don't want to take that risk. Whatever is in this box, needs to be sealed away forever. You know?"

"I can see what you're saying, but aren't you a bit curious?"

"Not curious enough to risk it."

"But you could never hate her, so there's no real risk. You know?"

I nod my head, "I know, but it just doesn't feel right."

"I understand. Well it is your decision after all. Whatever you think you should do, is the right move."

I squeeze the box tightly. "Thanks for the support Rina."

She gives me a small smile. "Anytime Lucia... Hey, I brewed a small batch of coffee. Would you like a cup?"