Reflections of Dawn

Promises

Nyx walked at a brisk, almost angry pace through the park, pushing the pram in front of her whilst Cody raced to keep up. Mentally, she was screeching every song she'd ever heard, up to and including Sunday hymns, in an attempt to block out Alysha.

Well, it seemed to be working. Alysha had quit trying to butt in and seemed to be sulking. Nyx could feel her like a physical weight in the back of her mind, a little angry cloud of darkness sitting on the edge of her every thought and feeling.

Nyx glanced down at Abby who grinned toothily at her. "Ma, ma, ma, ma! Hi! Hi, hi!"
Nyx chuckled. "Hi! Hi, Abby!"
Cody turned questioningly to Nyx. "Why does she say that so much?"
"Because she's still only just learning to talk. She can't say a lot. We have to teach her."
Cody thought about it. "Can we teach her to say my name next?"

Nyx chuckled. "Maybe! I was thinking perhaps yes and no first would be a lot easier."
Cody nodded. Then, he looked sad, scuffing his toes along the dirt.
Nyx stopped walking. "Okay, what's wrong?"
"My grandma and grandpa said that they didn't ever want Abby to come live with us. They said that they didn't like Travis, and that the baby was a disgrace. And some other stuff that I can't remember, but it was mean. Something about faeries. And then they said... That..." His lip trembled as he struggled to hold back tears. "That... mummy might not ever wake up!"

Nyx raised an eyebrow. "And they said all this to you, did they?"
"No, I listened in." He sniffed sadly, rubbing at his eyes. "But... I want Abby to come live with us. And I want mummy to wake up. And then we all be a big family, with Travis and you and the others as well!"

Nyx smiled. "And I want that too. But I promise, I'll try to make it happen somehow. You just have to wait."

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