Kenopsia

Subsidiary Event: "Halcyon"

Halcyon (adj.) Calm and peaceful; happy, prosperous.

My breathing quickens. I'm going to be betrayed by my own children? Is this going to be how it ends?

"Dad, we brought you some food." Rem's sweet voice snaps me out of my crazed thoughts.

I smile sweetly and take the basket of fresh food from Rem's hands. Perhaps their intent was pure.

"How come you look so pale? Did we frighten you? Do not worry father, it is only us." Star this time speaks, trying to confuse me with the way they speak. Again.

Lanie nods as Star talks and opens her mouth to say something before her eyes trail to my desk. Her mouth closes and forms into a frown upon seeing my note.

"Dad you're not going to die tonight alright? We're here to keep you company." Lanie says calmly before hugging me.

I instantly hug Lanie back and melt into her touch. My other two children join in on the hug and we stand there for a long time.

3:06 AM, October 7, 1927

I can't sleep. Lanie can't either it appears. Star's head is on my lap and her body strewn across the bed and Rem is next to me and her head on my shoulder. Both are asleep.

"Dad i'm scared. I don't want you dead." Lanie's voice cuts through the silence like a hot knife through butter.

I nod in understanding and brush my hand through Star's hair. My eyes start watering and i look up at her. She shares my fear.

"Don't worry Lans. I will protect you guys with my life. You will not die. I promise." My shaky voice sounds determined when i speak and gets louder the more i go on.

Lanie smiles and nods, finally closing her eyes to sleep. This is all i need. My family. Let's just hope we can get out of this alive.

All things come to an end, however. Even things like this.

And that is when my peaceful bliss is interrupted by a terrified shriek.