Our Home to Come Back to

"N-Noa, do I really have to go…"

"Yes, it's way too late to back out now."

I push against the back of the small girl as she resists my effort to see her out of the door.

The time is the usual 7am and Mira is equipped with everything she needs to be an average student. She wears my old blue backpack that was kept around as a spare and inside is a set of necessary supplies. Her outfit is the same as the one she came into this world with, this time properly fitted with undergarments. All she needs is the attitude of a winner and nothing would be able to stop her.

However, she decides to use her body as an extra weight to prevent us from making any progress.

"If you don't move, we'll be late."

"Can I stay home one more day?"

"Absolutely not!"

I eventually manage to successfully shove the rabbit onto the concrete and I lock the door behind us. The air outside has an uncomfortable chill, but it's more than expected for the season.

"Let's go. Somebody is waiting for us downstairs."

"I don't want to go to school…"

Mira's pleas go entirely ignored as we start the journey down the hall. Our progress is slow due to her attempting to move as slow as possible to delay the inevitable.

"Come on, Mira."

"Woah!"

Last night did not provide me with much meaningful sleep, and the consequences are showing as I effortlessly grab onto the young girl's hand. I should be flustered at my own boldness, but I'm too tired to really care. Mira, on the other hand, has gone completely silent as I pull her along at a brisker pace. She can only really see my back at this point, but I planned on leading her the entire way anyways.

Each step feels heavier than the first. I try my hardest to keep my feet moving towards our destination, the place that Mira and I must part.

In reality, I'm feeling just as much if not more nervous about today. All it takes is one unfortunate day to make enemies in this adolescent death game known as school. Even if she isn't met with aggression, her quirks may very well single her out from the rest of her peers. I want to see Mira smile more than anything else. Taking her here might take me the furthest possible distance from that goal.

I feel the door growing farther and farther away. It won't be long before the point of no return. Nothing is stopping me from turning us around and keeping her safe at home.

"No, I can't do that!"

A loud clap echoes down the hall as a sharp pain runs through my body.

"Noa!?"

Mira jumps in fear as my free hand slams against the side of my face without any restraint. We've stopped walking, but I still hold her soft hand in mine.

"Sorry, Mira. I'm just trying to wake up."

"But didn't it hurt?"

"Yeah, it hurt like crazy."

It was painful, but much better than the alternative of letting myself run away like a coward.

Nothing good would come from keeping Mira from going to school. She has nothing to learn by staying at home and reviewing my old notes. She'll never be able to make friends or participate in activities that make up our youth. She won't be able to build the foundation for a future beyond these walls. Some things can only be found by being exposed to challenges.

More than anything, turning back would mean betraying those that have entrusted me with her future. Silver went through a lot of work to bring Mira into the society of humans and he even set up this opportunity for us. Stella took the time to help prepare Mira for school and cares just as much about her well being. I can't possibly look these wonderful people in the eye and tell them that their efforts were for nothing. I'm not the only one with stakes here, and I'm far from the only person worried. If they all made the move to send her off, then I must follow suit.

I grip tighter on the small hand and press forwards once more. Turning around, I still see anxiety in her deep blue eyes.

"Are you ready, Mira?"

"No…"

"It'll be fine. It's just school."

The words were more for myself than for her, but I show the best smile I can muster. If she can't find the confidence on her own, then I have to be the one to provide it. One day, a morning like this will be no big deal.

I smack my fist against my chest.

"If I could handle all of these years of school, it should be nothing for you!"

"But Noa won't be there…"

Mira casts her eyes to the ground and her entire body seems to droop limply. Her hand trembles as it grips onto mine with whatever strength she can muster. The way she cowers reminds me of her true identity as a small animal that has found its way into lands never seen before. Even for humans, the thought of being trapped in a room with a bunch of strangers is scary.

How did I feel when I started first grade? It was so far back that most of the details are nothing but a foggy mess. The faces of my peers, the faces of my teachers, the school building, all of it has basically dissolved in my head. However, there was always one thing I remember that motivated me to finish the day.

"Just tough it out until the afternoon and you'll be right back home."

I take a step towards the young rabbit and place a hand atop her head. She looks up with wide eyes as I rub over her soft hair.

"I'll be right over once my classes are over and we can go home together. We can even celebrate the start of your education."

Mira doesn't say anything, but I can feel her hand slowly relax. Although some of her anxiety still remains, she frowns and brings her free hand into a fist.

"If Noa says so…I'll try my best!"

"That's the spirit! Make sure to pay close attention so you can tell me all about it tonight!"

"I'll try…"

I finally release her hand and start digging through my pocket. With all of my nerves, I had completely forgotten to give Mira something important.

"Here, this is yours."

I hold my hand out to her and a small metal item on a lanyard drops down in front of her eyes. Swinging gently back and forth is a key.

"You can't leave the house without having one of these with you."

"I can have it?"

"Of course, you live here as well. I'll even let you unlock the door on the way back."

The dim lighting reflects off the jagged surfaces of the key as I lower it into her hands.

"Now you have full access to our room. Whenever it feels overwhelming at school, just remember that this home is waiting for you when you're done."

She places it around her neck and holds it out in front of her. Her fingers make their way down each of the grooves, feeling the hard surface of the key home. For whatever reason, the small metal object makes her smile.

"Thank you, Noa."

"You're welcome. Come on, let's hurry."

I start walking and the young girl trots up beside me. This time, there isn't any stalling from either of us. Although, Mira grips tightly onto the straps of her backpack now that my hand is gone. It's impossible to remove all worries.

"Don't worry, Mira. You won't be alone."

"Hm?"

"I hate it, but there isn't a thing I can do for you once you enter those walls."

I'm accompanied by a confused rabbit as the two of us briskly scale the three levels of stairs and reach the floor. From there, the outside world opens up in front of us and the damp air sweeps lightly through our clothes. It doesn't take me long to locate the pair patiently awaiting our arrival.

"But you won't be the only one starting out today."