To Rest, or Not To Rest - Chapter 4

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In that time, a week has passed since the proclamation. With the close care of my mother and the oversight of my sister. My body slowly began to return to its previous health, steadily allowing me to move around the house more and more. Things were finally looking pretty good, as I watched outside the window, constantly seeing the decorations for the Fallfest Fair that’d be happening in a weeks time. Excitement filled the air, and the colors of the leaves begun to change into a myriad of warmth. Many children had begun to wear cloaks to cover themselves from the persistent winds that blew. Luisa would bundle up every day before leaving the room, as I was forced to stay within the confines of the house. Mother would show up, usually during a lunch break, to check on me and bring me a meal.

Gil’s brother would come by, often throwing up different treats through the window after school. I’d grown impressed with his persistence in talking to me. It was definitely helpful to have someone to talk to whenever everyone’s out of the house. Though it’s rather unfortunate that father isn’t around anymore. He’d returned to his work, with no exact timetable for his return. He’d gone off to make a few dealings with the Merchant’s Guild out in the kingdom, leaving us to get ready for prep. Hopefully, he finds some sort of alternative to my prescription; I’d rather not take that gruel they consider a “medicine”. Today was the day most of the children within the city went shopping for new things to wear to the festival; apparently, they’d wear something gifted to them by their parents. From new shoes to a brand new bow. There were many possibilities for what they’d be donning.

I’d often wonder about the possible things they’d make. Letting curiosity fester, I decided to talk to Luisa and my mother about it. Luisa has experienced the Fallfest Fair multiple times throughout the years. What did she receive from our parents? I’d been sitting around the main shop space, as my mother had been decorating the shop alongside Luisa. I sat on the stairs, wanting to help as I’d been wrapped in a cloak by mother. My boots tapped the steps as I watched. From many different warm-colored flowers being placed, to different lanterns. They were going all out for this celebration. My health was passable, but I wasn’t fully there yet. I had to get better.

I glanced over to Luisa, who’d been adjusting the different tablecloths around. I think I’ll ask her first. I slowly rose from my seat on the stairs before walking over to Luisa. She’d been rather focused, seemingly intent on making sure everything was right. “Sis, could I ask you something?” I said, tugging at her dress slightly with my smaller hands. She looked over her shoulder, seeing me try to grab her attention from work. “Hm? What do you need, Chloe?” Her eyes focused on me, her freckled face was the same as always. Now’s the time to find out some more about this fair, since Gil’s brother refuses to tell me about it.

“What did you receive for the Fallfest Fair when you were growing up? I heard the children received a gift to celebrate.” I mentioned, curious about the tradition of said fair. She held her hand to her cheek, letting out a small, joyous sigh. As if she’d been reminiscing about the fair. “Oh, Chloe. I didn’t think too much about it. But you’re going to try and attend this year, right?” I nodded quickly in response. She giggled as she suddenly held me close, embracing me closely within her arms. “My little Chloe, I know you’ve always wanted to go…your condition is a lot better than it has been typically during this time. So this might be the year! Maybe we can pick you a cute dress—”

“THUD!”

A sudden drop of papers fell upon the table; it seemed someone had caught word of our little conversation as mother turned to see me and Luisa conversing. Her eyes were stern as ever, looking me up and down. “So, you want to go to the fair? Aren’t you still recovering, young lady?” Her words made the air suddenly sit still. Luisa and I looked at her worriedly. My mother seemed against the idea, seeing that my health isn’t at its peak yet, with only a week to go. Her discerning eyes stared at me before walking over and rubbing my head. “Try your best to stay healthy. I’d want to see you in an adorable Fallfest outfit rather than your blouse,” she sighed. Luisa seemed intrigued by the idea of seeing me in an outfit.

“You’d be so cute with pigtails, and maybe a nice flowy dress…I could see it now, the boys would be fawning over you! It doesn’t help that you’re cute as a button, Chloe!”. I felt my blood run hot at the comment. I’d never thought about people thinking that much of my appearance, since I’d usually be ignored. The idea of the others looking at me too much made me feel a bit more self-conscious about it all. “I could get my coworker to work on something for you, but you’d better take care until then,” Mother said, winking at me before returning to her work. Luisa smiled brightly at the prospect, humming to herself happily. “You’ll see how fun the Fair is. I went a long time ago with some friends. It was a day to remember!”

Her words sat deep with me, from the comments on my possible appearance to the potential dress that’d be waiting for me. I won’t lie, the prospect of what it could look like excited me. I’d always wanted to wear a pretty dress, but that opportunity rarely came before. My thoughts circled in my mind, the bell above the door chimed, and two individuals appeared, carrying wicker baskets. Luisa’s eyes lit up as they entered. It turned out to be Gil and his brother.

“Hey, hey! How’s the Mallory family holding up? Excited for the Fair? We brought some extra catch from today!” he said, waving around the basket in his hand. The smaller boy behind held his wicker basket close, seemingly averting his gaze from me. My mother walked over to him, welcoming them into the home. “Oh, hello, boys! Didn’t expect to see you today! We were just setting up and discussing it. I’ll take your catch and make this for tonight, you two settle in for a bit.” Luisa began to silently stammer to herself at the sudden appearance of Gil, fixing her hair silently in the corner and trying to find the right words. Her eyes began to shift away from him, avoiding eye contact at all costs. Suddenly, behind Gil, the other individual stepped out, revealing himself in front of my mother.

“It was my idea to bring over the extra! Gil didn’t know what to do with it,” he said with a smile as my mother thanked him with a small head rub. The boy glanced at me with a grin before moving along to help her with the baskets. Gil then turned his attention to me, walking over and leaning down. “Well, would you look at that, you’re looking better already! Think you’ll make it to the fair this year?” I nodded in response, hoping that my health would turn right before the day. I had to go; there were no ifs, ands, or buts about it! Luisa seemed to panic at the statement, seeing that she’d been talking about the fair, especially with Gil present. The smaller boy returned after helping my mother, hearing the conversation that had took place. “If she does go, maybe she’ll finally remember my name.” his wide smirk seemed to be an attempt at teasing. Sure, I usually have trouble remembering his name, but not today! “Thanks for the extra catch, Larry,” I said, lifting my nose in the air, letting out an exaggerated laugh.

Gil followed suit, letting out a big laugh that possibly shook the room. “Come on, Lance, you’ve got to make yourself memorable! That’s how she will never forget!” He laughed loudly as Lance’s blush filled his face. His sudden fluster caused me to laugh alongside him.

The boy stomped his foot heavily, refusing the treatment he’d been given by me. “It’s unbelievable that you can’t even try to remember the name of the guy who–” He stopped suddenly, as if his words were cut off by his thoughts. I tilted my head the other way. “Who what?” My sudden response seemed to cause even more of a fluster in his words. “Nothing! I’m just relieved to see you’re alive, is all. You’re going to the fair, right?” The laughter died down in the room as Luisa festered with the cloth from before. As if the air within the room had gotten sucked out. I felt a small lump in my throat, seeing that the possibility of my chances of going stood in the balance.

“I—maybe…” I said at last. My heart went quiet, but it grew with a semblance of hope. “If Mother lets me.” Luisa sighed as she folded the cloth and set it down. “If she’s strong enough, she has the go-ahead.”. The boy crossed his arms, muttering. “Well, she better be. Someone has to keep her from falling asleep in the middle of it.”. His words filled me with a sense of kindness, seeing that he’d been persistent in making sure I could attend. It put a smile on my face, truthfully.

“Aw, thanks for worrying about little ol me, Leo.”

“It’s Lance!”

The group within the room began to laugh once more, seeing the tense worry in the room wash out quickly. There were high hopes for me to be able to attend, and I really wanted to. I could only wonder how the original Chloe had felt during this time. Did she want to go? I’ll have to see what it’s like for the both of us. That’d be more than ideal.