The Child of Frost

The Search

Fawn's P.O.V.

As the sun came up, I woke up from my bed and immediately ran downstairs. I didn't want Mama and Papa to think that I wouldn't come back over a silly little fight we had. As I ran down, I noticed something was different in my home.

Momma was sitting down, eyes clothes as if she were praying. Her usual morning smile was replaced with a pained face.

"Hey, are you okay, Mama?" I asked as I joined her side and took her hand in mine. "Do you need anything?"

A violent cough broke out from her as she looked up at me. "I'm glad you're safe. You're father was out looking for you all night. Where were you? When did you get home?"

"Last night. Jack brought me home," I answered, feeling worried now. "Where's Papa?"

Momma's eyes began to tear up as she said, "he never came home. He's still out there looking for you, and with the storm last night, I'm worried about him."

"I'll go look for him, okay? Why don't you go back to bed," I asked her as I squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I promise if I find him, I'll bring Papa back home."

Momma nodded, trusting me with this task as she coughed again. "He's my best friend. Please, bring him home."

I walked out of the house, running out of the village, hoping Jack was somewhere nearby. "Jack! Jack, are you here?" I called out. "Jack! Please, I need your help!"

Almost out of nowhere, Jack appeared to me, looking distracted as he sat by himself at the top of a tree. I ran over, hoping he was alright.

"Jack? Are you okay?" I called up as I started climbing the tree. "Is something bothering you?"

He looked over at me, blinked twice as if barely recognizing me, then smiling. "Hey, what are you doing around here?"

"Jack, my dad's missing. My Papa's missing and my Momma's sick. Will you help me find him?" I asked, silently begging him in my mind. "I need your help."

In response, Jack pushed himself off the tree and flew towards me. With his arms around my waist, I hid my blush as he carried me around. Looking at the ground, together we scanned the ground for any signs of my dad.

"Do you have an idea of where he might've gone?" he asked, looking at me.

I shook my head no. "I've never been out here with him before. He was so afraid of me running into you."

I looked up to see the look on his face, but, to me, it looked like something else was on his mind. Without realizing it, I caressed his cheek with my hand, making him glance down at me.

"Fawn, are you alright?" he asked, slightly blushing. "Do you want me to put you down?"

I shook my head no. "Is something bothering you, Jack? You seem distracted."

Jack shook his head no. "I'm fine. Nothing's bothering me."

Not believing him for a minute, I made a mental note to watch him from now on. Something's wrong with you, Jack. I'm going to find out what's bothering you one way or another.