As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden and crimson hues across the sky, Garin and Lalia shared a delightful conversation. The gentle rustle of leaves created a serene atmosphere, though a hint of worry lingered in Lalia's gaze.
"Don't worry, he'll come back."
Garin reassured, his tone comforting.
"I know he's a strong boy."
She replied, still her brow furrowed with concern.
The shadows of uncertainty danced in her eyes, betraying her anxious thoughts.
Just then, the door swung open, and familiar voice echoed through the quiet of the evening.
"Mother, I'm back!"
Lalia, startled, quickly rose from her seat, her tension quickly evaporating in a instant, as she rushed to the door way.
"Just as promised!"
Liam added with a triumphal grin.
Lalia enveloped him in a warm embrace, her relief palpable. In that moment the worries of the day faded in the background, replaced by a simple joy of reunion. The soft glow of the setting sun wrapped around them.
A gentle reminder of the bond they shared—one that would shine brightly, through the trials and tribulations about to come.
"I'll be going, now Taylor."
Liam said, a both excitement and urgency noticeable his voice.
"Sure thing! And thanks a bunch man, I really appreciate it."
Taylor replied feeling a wave of gratitude washed over him.
Garin rose from his seat, his demeanour calm and reassuring.
"Don't worry little fella; I'll escort you back home!"
"Huh, thank you Garin!"
Liam said, relieved as Garin patted him on the head.
"Goodbye, Miss Lalia thank you, for letting Taylor to come and play with us."
Liam said, with genuine appreciation.
"You're quite welcome Liam, and thank you, for bringing him before sunset!"
Garin, turned to Lalia before saying his goodbyes.
"Take care, Lalia and keep an eye on Taylor for me.
"We'll see you both soon!"
She said, her maternal instincts shining.
Together, Liam and Garin walked toward the path that led away from the yard.
They watched them, as they slowly disappeared in to the distance.
They returned inside the house.
Lalia gestured for him to sit.
"Come and sit, I prepared dinner!"
"Awesome, you're the best mom."
He replied, his stomach rumbling in anticipation as he took a sit.
As he settled in, the comforting aroma of the meal settled in.
Lalia leaned her chin, on her hand, as she spoke.
"So, tell me about your day."
Lalia urged, her voice gentle.
"There really amazing! Liam's full of energy, and the others are really mischievous, except for Lowell she seems to be the more mature on of the group."
Lalia, raised an eyebrow.
"Lowell, huh! I think I remember her coming to look for you, while you were asleep she seemed genuinely worried."
Taylor awkwardly scratched, the back of his head.
"You don't say."
Lalia chuckled, her heart warm at the thought of his happiness.
"Well, in any case I'm glad."
They continued to eat and talk, the son dipping lower outside. In that tender moment surrounded by comforts of home, Taylor felt a sense of gratitude, and comfort of the moment given to him by fate.
They continued, to talk and talk until the hour grew late.
"Oh, It's gating late, Taylor. I think it's time to go to bed. After all you have a big day tomorrow."
Lalia suggest gently, noticing the time.
"Yeah, you're right."
He said, a yawn escaping his lips.
As he got up from the chair Lalia smiled reassuringly.
"Don't worry about your dish; I'll clean it up for you."
"Thank you mother, and good night."
Lalia simply gave a warm smile.
"Good night! My child."
He replied, feeling grateful as he made his way to his room.
Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!
He hurriedly climbed the stairs.
Once he was inside, he took out a night gown, slipping it on completely, before jumping into the cozy bed.
As he lay in bed his mind began to wander, thinking about where his future lay ahead. But something else gnawed at his curiosity—the locked study. He'd thought about what was behind that door, but today felt like a great time to take sneak peak.
But he decided to wait. Lalia was still down stairs, and he didn't want her finding out or else he was in big trouble.
As he closed his eyes, he heard soft creaks from the door.
Creak! Creak! Creak!
And then a quiet thud.
Thud!
Lalia leaned in planting a simple kiss on his forehead, she lay in the bed gripping him tightly.
Taylor could only pretend he was asleep, and yet after lying in that uncomfortable position, for a while he had wanted to shift.
He wasn't surprised; she had been doing for a while now, her protective nature evident.
After a few minutes the room went silent, the only sound being his breath. He slowly felt her grin loosening, so he slowly wiggled his way around trying not to disturb her much.
When he managed to break free from her grip, he felt a sense of freedom. He quietly slipped out of the bed. Moving towards the candlelight that flickered softly in the room.
He took the candle and opened the door, intent on being quiet as possible.
He gently closed the door behind him, then he quietly made his way down the hallway. He approached the study, excitement bubbling up, with excitement he retrieved something from his, short, black hair.
"Aha, here it is."
He said, excitement visible on his demeanour.
It was one of Lalia's hair pins.
A small but useful tool for what he had in mind.
***
Sorry for the late update, but chapter ten will drop soon.