Sudden Change

It was actually a pretty chill day for Luke, as he had no outstanding errands, or need to help out about the place, which was a nice change of pace.

But sure enough something had popped up, and just a he was getting to a good part of the latest book he'd been trying to read.

"Luke... Luke."

Luke ignored his mother's call - a fairly risky thing to do, but maybe she'd give up and let him read.

"There you are boy!"

She found him, not hard to do since he was in his room.

"I'm almost an adult..."

"You certainly don't act like it sometimes... Anyway I need you to go over to the Greenstone's place.

It wasn't often that he went that way, since it was away from town on the other side of the farm, and that family was pretty sorted in their smaller place.

"Why?"

"I need you to look after Sofia for a bit."

He groaned and put the book down.

"Why do I have to watch out for her...?"

She's plenty big enough to care for herself... and strong enough too...

"I get it, but..."

"No but's about it mister, now get yours to it."

Lily huffed disappointingly.

"Luke... it's just a favour. And I thought you liked Sofia?"

"Yeah I do... but it was my day off..."

"You can take your darn book with you, you know..."

She marched off with something else to do.

"I'll do it..."

If anyone else was listening; it almost sounded like he was reluctant to go over there.

I would have anyway...

"Well get your butt there, otherwise you'll delay them."

"I get it already geez..."

Stepping out their front door, he looked over towards the forest, easily seeing the Greenstones small cottage by the trail, just past their open fields, and out before the small house, there was some activity about a waiting wagon already.

Luke hurried over to find Sofia's parents just finishing off tying down their load.

"Hey Luke, glad you could swing by."

Finn acted like he wasn't already aware of Luke's partly forced arrival.

Sofia meanwhile nervously fidgeted, occasionally glancing his way, before finding little distractions to avert her unique green eyes and be helpful to her parents.

"Mama... did you remember your favourite hat?"

"Oh yes my darling... its right here."

Tia pointed to the front, before giving the rope another good pull.

Sofia then remembered something else and vanished inside, while Finn came over for a word.

"Now we'll be gone a couple of days, so make sure to drop by and make sure our little darling is eating properly, and not spending all day tinkering out in the garden."

Luke nodded along; before he was pulled by his shoulder closer and was whispered some more.

"No funny business while we're out okay, even if she insists."

"Of course, sir."

I'd never try anything... Obviously it's not just me who's noticed she keeps looking my way all the time lately...

"Mama, Papa - some snacks for your journey!"

Sofia returned with a small basket filled with various goodies.

"Thank-you my pecious girl!"

Tia took the bundle with one hand and gave her a quick hug with her other arm.

They clambered onboard, while the two teenagers watched from the ground.

"Now take care of our Sofia till we get back Luke."

"Sure."

Luke glanced over to see Sofia fiddling with her hands and looking away again.

"Now take care Sofia, you have everything you need, and we'll be home soon."

"Yeah I know."

"And you watch out for Luke too."

Tia smiled his way too.

"Though he's a very capable, fine young man."

"Thanks."

He said while trying to look somewhat disinterested, while Sofia gave him a warm smile, before quickly looking away again.

"See my love, we needn't worry..."

Finn reached around and pulled Tia closer to him.

"We can take our time and enjoy the trip..."

He gave an extra tight squeeze and they smiled and chuckled together.

"Stop flirting and go already!"

Sofia rushed to them for a final hug from the ground.

"I love you."

"Same here dear."

She backed up to let them leave.

Secure on the small wagon's front, the horse pulled them away, and they set off, waving away, and giving a final.

"See you later dear..."

But they never did.

A few days had passed, and while Sofia assumed that everything was fine, one day a sombre villager arrived at her door, hat in his hands, and relayed some truly terrible news.

Apparently a rockslide had made a high bridge unstable, and as her parents had crossed over, it gave way, and the fall had claimed both their lives.

Luke rushed over, the moment he heard about it himself, only to find her lost and confused, babbling to herself in her dark kitchen.

"It couldn't have been them; they were just taking a little trip... Has to be a mistake... it wasn't them... Say it wasn't them... they'll be right back... They said they would be..."

It left Sofia in a daze, as she bumped about the house as he watched on, till someone else brought her more welcome news - that also never arrived.

He felt bad for the next few days, uncertain as to what to do for her, since she was all alone, existing in her once happy home, while he didn't want to leave her be by herself, he also didn't want to be a bother to her either.

A funeral was organised a few days later, and while she held it together, mostly, Sofia laid witness to two boxes being buried together, with all of her dearest friends and neighbours behind her, before solely waiting by the single stone that bore their names.

Luke was also standing watch; staying back as she sniffled and wiped the stream of tears away, sharing a few words, or a small hug with many in attendance, till the sun was beginning to set and they were the last two in the graveyard.

"Sofia..."

He approached to escort her away, but she instead sank to her knees under the plain black dress and into the grass beside the dirt.

"Why?"

She croaked out.

"Why them...? It's not fair! They're - they were so nice... and kind..."

She cried louder and dropped the white flowers she'd been clutching all afternoon.

After a good sobbing session, she finally went quiet, stood and got back some composure, then looked away from the grave for the first time in a while, with such sadness in her darkened green eyes, which now seemed unable to shed any more tears.

"Come along."

Luke offered his hand, and after it was lightly grasped, he lead her all the way back to her home, while there was nothing else he could offer her, like answers or any other comfort, otherwise he too might break down.

I need to stay strong... for her...

It was almost night when they arrived by the darkened house, but Sofia willed herself to hold on, before speaking again.

"Please stay over, just for tonight."

"Uh, that's uh..."

He was taken aback by the unexpected words.

But... that's improper right...?

She barely looked all there behind those dark eyes, as she went on.

"The house is too empty..."

She choked a little, before continuing.

"I haven't slept in days."

That's bad right...

"Please..."

She wobbled by her door.

"Alright."

Luke stepped up again, because she needed someone, and because he wanted to help her.

She lead him to her room, set him down on the chair by the little desk she had, before slipping into her sheets, still wearing the black dress she needed for the funeral.

"Thanks... so much..."

"No problem..."

She practically flopped to sleep in an instant.

She must have been so weary... She looks so peaceful... now...

Sofia lay under the thin sheet, almost blissfully, while her gentle features reflected the growing moonlight, her small uncovered horns seemed to shine, while her fine hair spread about the pillow all around her soft face, and Luke couldn't help but stare at her.

That was until she rattled the windows with a deep snore.

Darn, it's like branches falling from a high tree...!

He stayed there, observing, as sleep was chased far away from him by her steady racket.