Whisper

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

100 hours remaining

(Amaria's POV)

Mama, Daddy, and Uncle Chili were at the hotel. The moment we walked in, a pretty orange-haired woman rushed up to Ash and told him that she had 'found four people collapsed in the Dreamyard'.

We had all rushed to the room to find Mama, Daddy, Uncle Chili, and the old hiker who had chased us. Amalric and I shared a glance.

"They haven't woken up since..." Misty muttered. Ash grabbed her shoulder and smiled reassuringly. "They've only been out for a little while, right? I'm sure they'll wake up soon enough. Just give them some time."

Misty sighed. "Alright...Now where's my baby?"

Annabel tugged on Misty's shorts. "I'm here." Misty picked her up and swung her around before hugging her tightly.

I felt a slight tremor in my heart and I looked at Mama and Daddy.

Ash smiled at me. "Your Dad is here after all." I was startled at his remark. He pointed at Uncle Chili. "That's your Dad, right?"

"Uhm..." I hesitated, and then pointed at Daddy. "Actually...he's our Dad. His name is Cilan. He never died. We lied to you." I also pointed to Mama. "And she's our Mom, Iris."

Ash's eyebrows rose. "How'd they survive this long?"

I shook my head. "I can't tell you." Mommy and Daddy wouldn't want me spreading our location around.

Ash shrugged. "Alright, well no harm, no foul. But lying is not a good habit; try not to do it again. There are other ways to protect secrets." I nodded.

Amalric watched him walk away, astonished. "Well, he took that easier than most people."

Misty led us to our rooms a little bit later. Ama's and my room were connected. I sat in his room. "Ama...what are we going to do now?"

Amalric shrugged. "Since Cress isn't here, then I guess we wait for Mom and Dad to wake up and we can...go home I guess." I nodded. "They're going to be furious with us, you know?"

I stated glumly. Amalric sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I know."

We sat on his bed in silence for a while. I absently stroked Purrloin, who was curled up on my lap.

Amalric turned to me and smiled. "What?" I asked. He shook his head. "It's just...you look different. Older, you know? Like you really matured since we left."

I shrugged one shoulder. "Well, a couple near-death experiences do that to you. And you've changed too. You really have."

Amalric smiled and kissed me on the forehead. "It's time to go to bed, Ria." I nodded. "Goodnight, big brother." "Good night, little sister." I got up and went to my room. I left the door between our rooms open so Purrloin could access both of us.

The moment I hit the pillow, I was asleep.