Halloween Visit

Let me start by saying I am really sorry that I haven't updated in awhile. I have some really horrible writers block on my stories. This little nugget however came to me as a result of lack of sleep and early morning work days. I do hope you enjoy. 

It was early morning when he heard Ezra crying out. Kanan sighed getting up and shuffled over to the crib. His fifteen month old son was on his back sucking on his hand tears running down his face. They had just moved to Lothal after Janus's death three months ago. 

"Oh Baby Boy, you're teething again," he said quietly picking up the child. Carrying him to the kitchen Kanan rummaged through the freezing unit and located Ezra's teething ring. 

"Here you go Bud," he said handing it to him. 

Ezra latched on to it and immediately stuck it in his mouth.

"There better?" Kanan asked cradling him in his arms. 

Ezra made a quiet noise before snuggling against Kanan's chest causing the man to jump. 

"Ok Bud, that's cold," he said moving the child so the ring wasn't touching his bare skin. Noticing the time Kanan hurried back into his room to get ready for work. An hour later the two were making their way through the cold busy streets. Kanan noticed how everyone was dressed funny and even one scared Ezra. 

"What is going on?" He asked out loud trying to get to the Catina. 

Upon reaching it Kanan sighed in relief allowing himself to relax. 

"Morning Kanan," Joe greeted from the counter.

"Morning Joe, what is with everyone today. They are dressed so weird," he asked unwrapping the blanket from Ezra's face.

"Well it's Halloween," Joe said.

"Hallo-what?" Kanan asked readjusting his grip on his son. "Is that a Lothal thing?"

"Oh right I forgot you two just moved here," Joe answered. "Yeah it's the one night a year where kids and adults dress up and go door to door looking for treats and the bar is usually full."

Kanan grimaced at the thought of a full bar. That usually meant more money but also more people around his baby.

"Don't worry, all you need to do is keep a level head," Joe offered looking down at the baby snuggled securely in his father's arms.

Kanan kissed the boy's head and placed him in the makeshift crib behind the counter. 

"Don't worry EJ, it'll be over before you know it," he said tucking the blanket around the boy and handing him the teething ring. 

"Another tooth coming in?" Joe asked watching them. 

"Yeah, he woke me up several hours ago screaming his head off. Come on let's get to it," Kanan said as they set to work. 

Shortly after the even rush began Kanan felt like he was about to go insane. Normally there wouldn't be as many drunks but tonight was worse than he had ever seen it. Most customers would yell saying he was taking to long to fill their orders or Joe didn't get it right. One went as far as to demand Ezra be removed he let out a cry. The young father had just about hit his limit when he heard a sharp cry. He turned around to see the man from before behind the counter, a glass bottle raised for the strike. He wasn't sure how but he instantaneously  appeared behind the man ripping the bottle from his hands

"Get away from him," Kanan growled.

"Then shut the brat up," the man slurred.

"He wasn't crying until you started messing with him," Kanan said moving so he could check on his son.

"Then runt get me another drink," the man swayed on his feet.

Kanan bristled. He tried to calm down but when the man reached for Ezra, Kanan lost it. Grabbing the man's wrist Kanan shoved him back.

"Stay away from my son," Kanan yelled unintentionally starting a brawl.

Several minutes later and with Joe's help the drunk was shoved outside as the crowd inside cheered. 

"You alright?" Joe asked as he helped Kanan sit down on a barstool. 

"Yeah, I hate this holiday. How's Ezra?" The teen turned back to where he knew the boy would be.

Joe moved to check before glancing up in fear. 

"He's not here." 

"What?" Kanan's eyes went wide as he practically jumped over the bar to indeed find the crib empty. "EJ!" 

"Excuse me," a kind voice said.

Both men lookd up to see a kind looking woman and in her arms was Ezra.

"Oh Buddy," Kanan whispered as he gently took him from her arms. 

"My apologies, but when the fight started out he panicked and I thought I might be of some help. Luckily he is unharmed."

"Thank you," Kanan said looking up at her. 

'She looks so familiar,' he thought to himself. 

"You are quite welcomed," she said as Kanan looked down at the baby, who began cooing happy to be where he was safe. 

"He truly is a precious gift," the said smiling at the two. "He is exactly what you need."

Kanan looked up startled on to see that the wonan was gone.

"What? Hey where did she go?"

"I don't know, but trust me stranger things have happened," Joe said going back to work.

Kanan gave him a confused look before shaking his head and kissing Ezra's temple. 

Unknown to them the woman watched from the shadows.

"Take care Caleb," she whispered before disappearing into the night. 

Hope you enjoyed.