I wake up and the first thing I notice is that Aethera's gone. Did I dream it? Was she even here or was it my imagination?
"Hey kiddo. How was your day ?" Dad asks as he enters the room and walks towards me.
I blink, still not used to the fact that he is really by my side. "It was... weird. Met some people."
Dad nods as he sits beside me."Some people... you mean Celestians?"
I look at him, completely taken back by his question. "How did you..."
He looks at the ceiling. "I know things, Cecil." He looks back at me with a soft smile. "You promised we'd talk."
"Dad... what's going on?" I ask cautiously as I stare at him.
"Cecil... I'm not like other dads."
He pauses as if he was choosing words before speaking again. "I died... but got a second chance... to fix stuff."
My mind spins with thousands of questions but I ask the most important one. "Fix stuff... like gambling?"
He nods. "Yeah... and you helped me."
I'm completely confused. Then it clicks.
"Dad... you're successful... because of me?"
"Yeah, kiddo. We did it... together."
He takes a deep breath before continuing. "Aethera... she saved me just like she saved you. She didn't want you alone in this world."
"Aethera saved you... because of me?"
Dad nods with a smile. "She's protective like that. She wanted you to have someone you know in this world."
"You really did that for me?" I ask her and she giggles.
"Of course. I couldn't leave you in this unknown place all alone, could I?"
"Long story short..." Dad's voice echoes im the room and snaps me back to present. "I'm here now, Cecil. And I won't leave you like before."
I smile through the headache that is starting to bother me more than I like. "Yeah."
Dad puts hand on my shoulder and his face turns serious. "We can't tell anyone about... this stuff. Okay?"
I nod. "Okay. Deal."
Dad smiles as the previous happiness returns to his eyes. "Good. Now... do you have any questions? I don't know that much but maybe I can help."
I hesitate but decide to ask anyway. "Dad... do you have some hidden ability like me?"
Dad chuckles. "Nope. Except of the reborn stuff. I'm completely normal, kiddo. You got all the weird stuff."
I laugh. "Guess I'm the special one then."
Dad ruffles my hair. "You are, kiddo. In a good way."
I take some deep breaths before asking the question both Aethera and me are curious about.
"Who is K?"
Dad looks slightly uncomfortable. "Cecil... K is Keith. As in 'your childhood friend', Keith."
My mind spins.
"Keith... Does he have anything to do with this?"
Dad shrugs as relief returns to his face.
"I don't know, kiddo. I just know he's connected to this in some way."
I frown. "Dad... how do you know about Keith?"
Dad pauses, appearing a bit hesitant. "Aethera... mentioned him."
"You told him? Why? You didn't even tell me."
"Sorry, Cecil. I thought it would be better if you found out like this. After all, I am a Goddess and I can't be there to explain everything..."
"When did you learn that K is Keith?"
"Soon after you fell asleep, I saw the letter he wrote you and decided to look if he is connected to you in some way.
The system showed me his profile and everything important about him. I know this might sound strange but you can trust him, Cecil."
Dad nods as if he was hearing my conversation with Aethera. "You should go see Keith, Cecil. You might get some answers."
I lean in, knowing he isn't finished. "But?"
"But, kiddo... Keith might not know anything. We can't confuse ordinary people."
I nod. "Got it. So I shouldn't ask him anything unless I am surehe is like us?"
"Exactly. Don't tell him weird any stuff, okay?"
I grin. "You know I'm good at secrets, Dad."
Dad smiles but his eyes show his true emotions. Sadness? He is sad? Why? "I know you are, kiddo."
Dad looks at me, his expression softens. "Cecil... I know you still blame yourself for your mother's death."
I freeze. Did Aethera tell him that? I smile hiding the dark thoughts behind it. "Dad... I don't—"
Dad cuts in, his voice gentle. "It's okay, kiddo. But you need to stop blaming yourself. It's not your fault."
"Okay , Dad. I'll try." I force myself to nod but my mind screams. It is my fault! I caused it. If it wasn't for me, she would be still alive...
I nod, pretending to understand. "Yeah... sorry I made you worry."
Dad hugs me and his next words almost tear me apart. "You don't have to be perfect, kiddo. I love you just the way you are."
I smile... but inside? Self-blame envelopes me. I'm hurting Dad... I'm much worse than I thought.
I clear throat, trying to sound casual. "Dad... could you give me Keith's address? I'll go visit him."
"Trying to change subject, kiddo?"
I grin. "Maybe a bit, Dad."
Dad chuckles, and hands me his phone. "Keith lives here. I'll send you the address."
"Got it. I'll be careful, Dad."
Dad nods. "I know you will, kiddo."
Dad gets up and exits the room, leaving me alone.
I unlock my phone and scroll through the contacts. Keith's number is saved? Why didn't I notice before?
I type fast, feeling extremely nervous. "Hey, Keith. It's me, Cecil. Is it okay if I visit you soon?"
I hit send and seconds later my phone buzzes. Message delivered.
I smile to myself. "Game on."
Soon... doubt creeps in. What if Keith doesn't remember everything like I do?
I stare into space, thinking how would our meeting look like. Keith smiling as he talks about everything that happened until now, me listening with a grin.
Suddenly... guilt floods my senses and the happy image is ruined by the dark thoughts.
I don't deserve happy. Not after I killed Mom...
Keith should hate me. Push me aside. Kill the idea of happiness.
I look down... my eyes starting to get wet by the tears forming in the corners. I'm so toxic. No one needs me.
Phone buzzes and I almost jump from surprise. "Hey, Cecil! How about the coffee shop near my place in 30 mins?"
I stare at the message... Keith has replied already? Is he online all the time or what?
Dark thoughts creep in... What if he hates me now? Am I even worthy being his friend?"
I shake my head. "No, no more overthinking, Cecil. Do it."
I type fast before I start regretting my decision. "Yeah! See you there in 30 mins."
My phone buzzes... Keith has replied. "Okay! See you soon, Cecil!"
I stare at screen... and start laugh. "Keith... he is still like a golden retriever."
Memories flood my mind... mostly moments we spend together.
"I guess some things don't change."
Will Keith be the same as before? How much did he change over the years?