"His father has left." Harry stared from behind the living room wall, small and quiet. His mother tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, "He does not want us -me -and I will not take care of that child by myself."
Harry's grandfather, Micah, scoffed, "you mean your child?"
She sighed, crossing her arms, "does it matter?"
"Yes," Micah sat up, "it really does." He pointed at the wall and Harry hid. "I am not a baby sitter, Ezra."
Harry's mother looked away, "I do not want him, but I am not heartless -I will not leave him in the woods. I have come to you in support."
"Full support -you want me to raise your child." He stood up from his chair, "I live in a small cottage Ezra, where is he supposed to sleep -a school is miles from here."
Ezra bit her top lip, "I am leaving to Antarctica, father."
Micah snorted, walking past her, "you will die."
"Then I will die."
"You will follow him because you are stupid, and that child will grow up hating everything about you."
"He already does." She adjusted her purse, "I am young, father -he was never meant to be born, it was the wrong time. If I can find Herod and he sees that I do not have him, we can try over."
"What did I raise -what did your mother raise? Disgusting," He spat. "Both of you will die there, you'll see. The Elements will condemn you for this."
She wiped her eyes, "is it wrong for me to be happy?"
"At the expense of a child -your child -yes, Ezra. It is very wrong."
Harry's mother turned on her foot, walking to the door. Harry ran after her, small boots against the wood floor, "mama..."
Ezra looked down, "you will stay here from now on, Harry, do you understand?"
Harry pouted but nodded, little hands curled into a ball, "yes, mama."
"I will not come back, do you understand?"
Harry nodded again, "yes, mama."
"Goodbye, Harry." Ezra opened the door, "take care of your grandfather."
Harry shivered at the cool air, staring at the wooden door after his mother left. He slowly turned to his grandfather, who stared back at him.
"Are you hungry?"
Harry nodded, "yes, papa."
Micah sighed, rubbing the crease on his forehead, "come -I will make you something."
Harry ran to him, a hand stopping him, "no running in this house -remove your shoes and leave them by the door."
Harry swallowed hard, "yes, papa."
-
"You are late." Micah stood off his chair.
"Excuse me, grandfather." Harry bowed, "I was lost."
