Shattered Pieces (Book 1)

After Sunset

Pidge's POV

It had been about three weeks since my dad had his asthma attack. Adam and I have been visiting him while he's in comatose. I've been sitting with him for the past couple of days because Adam has to work, despite what had happened.

I startled when the door opened. Adam came and sat next to me. He looked down at me and smiled. "Hey, sorry for startling you." I chuckled. "Nah, it's fine. Happens all the time." Adam turned his head to look at Shiro. He sighed. "The doctors confirmed that Takashi should wake up within the next week." He turned back to me. "You and I will need to help him through everything that's going on. He needs that extra support." Adam sighed. "I don't want something like this to happen ever again. It's scary seeing him like this. And I can't do anything but wait." He said softly. I nodded and hugged him tight. I felt the same way. Not being able to do anything but wait is one of the most scary situations to be in when you're at the hospital.

After a few hours, Adam got up. "I need to head back home kiddo. I've got some work to do." He ruffled my hair. "I'll most likely be in my office at home if you need me." I watched him leave. When I heard the door close, I turned back to Shiro.

"I wish you could see the sunset right now, dad. It's really beautiful. Reds, pinks, oranges and purples all swirling and dancing across the sky." No buildings were blocking the window, since my dad's room was on the third floor. "I know that you're not awake, but I know that you need me. That you need Adam and Holly. I miss you. We all do."

Soon, the sun set, and stars filled the night sky. After sunset, everything is peaceful. Just how I like it. I held my dad's hand, memory after memory playing in my head.

I was 5 at the time. I was sitting on the side of the street, hugging my knees, head down. I was beaten up and dirty. My pointy Altean ears were drooping downwards, a sign that I was scared. I was hungry, but I couldn't bring myself to go back inside the orphanage. That place was a living hell house. I heard footsteps coming closer to me. I shrunk away, curling into a ball. I got confused when I didn't get kicked. I looked up. A black winged lion kneeled down in front of me. He had scars on his face, a mechanical arm and a black crystal that seemed to be fused to him on his right hand.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm not going to hurt you." His voice was gentle and kind. I uncurled and looked at him again. He had the same marks under his eyes that I had. "Where do you live?" I pointed at the orphanage and shuddered. He followed my finger, and when he saw what I was pointing at, his gaze turned hard. "That place is a living nightmare for kids." He muttered. He turned back to me, his gaze softening when he saw how terrified I looked. "Don't worry, I'm not going to make you go back." I cocked my head to the side, confused. He chuckled, coughing slightly. "If you want to come back to the Galaxy Garrison with me, then you're welcome to." He offered a hand to me, and I took it, standing up. "Now, what's your name, kiddo?" I spoke quietly. "M-my name's Pidge. Pidge Gunderson. W-what's yours?" He smiled, looking down at me. "My name's Takashi Shirogané. But I go by Shiro to pretty much everyone at the Garrison." He coughed again. 'Was he sick?' I thought worriedly. "I'll be right back. You stay here, okay?" I nodded and sat down obediently on the ground. I didn't have any belongings, because I lived in a quiznacking orphanage.

After about an hour, Shiro came back. I stood up and ran over to him, hugging his leg. He laughed, but that quickly turned into a coughing fit. I looked up at him worriedly. I helped him sit down. "S-Shiro? Are you okay?" I was genuinely worried, even though I was only five. "Yeah, I'm fine Pidge." He sounded like he was having trouble breathing. "It's just because I-" He started coughing again. "A-are you sick?" I asked, my voice shaking. He shook his head. "No, I have asthma. It sucks, but I've gotta live with it." Shiro looked at me and smiled. "Well, looks like you're coming back to the Garrison with me." I was shocked. He had actually adopted me. I could be free. Shiro, my father, held out his hand. I ran forward and grasped it tightly. "Lets go home."

I felt something nudge me. "Hey, what are you doing, sleeping here, goofball?" I shifted my head. "Tired" I said, my eyes fluttering close. "Alright, but at least you could come home before you pass out again." Adam chuckled. He picked me up. I heard him murmur. "'Night Kashi. I love you."  He then carried me out the door and back to the dorm building. Once we got home, he took me to my room and placed me down on my bed. I got comfortable, and afterwards, just after I closed my eyes, I felt Adam kiss the top of me head. "Goodnight sweetie." He murmured. Then he got up and left. My energy hit zero and I was out like a light.

Words: 901 (THE WORD COUNTER IS BACK!!!!) These chapters are going to be a little shorter because I don't have very much time anymore. Y'all, 5 year old Pidge is freaking adorable! I hope y'all are enjoying the book.