Miraculous: Tales of Pandora Possum and Hawk Demask: Origins

Hidden Secrets

After finally getting everything placed where I liked it, I sunk down on the bed, and sighed in relief. I had to admit, the bed had to be one of the most comfortable and squishest thing I had ever felt. I closed my eyes for a minute, sinking into the true comfort which would now be an every day luxury. A minute later, there was a soft knock on the door, which lead me to spring right up.

"Austine, dinner's ready. You can come down whenever you'd like." Simone said in a calm and smooth voice.

I jumped off the bed, and as I smoothed out the wrinkles, I replied hastily; "Coming, just a minute," I finished. I quickly trudged to the door, taking a second to check my reflection in the mirror and smooth down my hair. I flicked the door handle open, and smiled politely at Simone.

"All settled in yet?" She asked on our way down the halls.

"Um, yes," I replied. "The room is very nice, and the bed is the softest thing I've ever felt!" I said cheerfully. Simone laughed heartily, as if my happiness affected hers.

"My uncle will be very delighted to hear that."

After a few minutes of wondering around the seemingly endless halls and rooms, we went down some stairs, which lead into a enormous dining room. A large wood table sat right in the middle, draped with a red table cloth, clad with every type of food imaginable. On the walls hung lit candles sitting in gold frames, flickering in unison. The smooth floor had been freshly mopped, and the curtains had been draped over to reveal the last of the day's sunlight. To top the room off, there was a glass chandelier hung up above, full of crystals and pearls of all sorts. Once again, I found myself staring. From the side door Mr. Morre entered, as he sat down right at the start of the table, before urging me to come and take a seat. Caughtiously I walked in, trying to push aside the burning flames all across the room. I took a breath and seated myself right to the side of Mr. Morre, who smiled at me cheerfully. I of course returned the gesture, but my heart fluttered nervously inside of me.

After that dreadful fire, anything with flames rattled me. It brought back painful memories, and filled me with more fear than I liked to admit.

"Now, we will share our thanks." Mr. Morre said. On one side he grasped Simone's hand, and on the other mine.

"We all sit here today as one, brought together by hope and love. We are thankful for all that we have, and all that we will be given throughout our lives."

Midway through, I found myself shaking as the candle flames wicked back and fourth in my ears. I tried to keep the shakiness out of my hands, for I didn't want Mr. Morre to know of my silly fear of fire.

"...and we thank all of those who have given us this meal, and most importantly grateful for those who allowed me to spread my kindness through this world, and give Austine here a home."

I had to say, the constant fear of the flames prevented me from paying attention to half of what Mr. Morre said, but I did catch the part about me. As soon as our thanks were given, I freed my hands from Mr. Morre's grasp, trying to focus on the delicious mean in front of us rather than the licking flames. They hissed like a snake, almost as if planning their next move.

On the table there were foods of all sorts, many that I didn't even recognize. There was a plate of turkey right infront of me, and to its side a bowl of sweet potatoes. As I reached my shaking hand outward, I was suddenly cut short in my actions.

"Austine." Mr. Morre said sternly. "Is something bother you?" Now both his and Simone's eyes rested on me. I hesitated. Should I admit my fear or not?

"Theres not need to be afraid." He said. That was true, and I knew it. I took a deep breath, and spoke.

"Its just..the candle flames, they, they.. bring  back bad memories." As soon as I said it Simone jumped up and flickered the candles right out.