"I'm back!"
"Alright, son, sit at the table. I'll be there with your breakfast."
Nova hurried to the table as if he was late for something. He sat there, fidgeting with the fork and spoon, eyes darting toward the kitchen.
"Fast, Dad!"
Joren chuckled. "Yeah, yeah, son. Just a minute."
Soon, Joren came over with breakfast for both of them. They sat down and began eating together.
"Don't rush, Nova," Joren said with a smile. "She's asleep anyway. She'll wake up by the time you're done with your training, so you don't have to rush it."
"I know, Dad. But I like sitting beside her and watching her sleep too. So I have to finish my workout fast."
"Haha, alright, as you wish."
After they finished breakfast, Joren went out for work while Nova continued his training.
Huff… huff…
"Done..."
After taking a short rest, Nova bathed and got ready. It was finally time to do what he had been waiting for all morning.
"Ha! Done. Now, Mira! I'm coming!"
Nova rushed into his mother's room.
There he saw Elaine resting on the bed, awake. She was gently caressing the head of the newborn beside her. As Nova entered, she looked up and smiled softly.
"She's awake already!" Nova exclaimed, his face lighting up brighter than the morning sun.
Elaine chuckled faintly. "Careful, Nova. She just woke up. Don't startle her."
Nova walked closer, trying to stay quiet — though his excitement made that nearly impossible. He stood beside her, his deep orange eyes filled with awe.
Mira's tiny hands moved slightly, her eyelids fluttering as if she sensed his presence.
"She's so small..." he whispered, afraid his voice might scare her.
Elaine smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "She is. You were just as small once, you know."
"No way!" Nova laughed softly, lowering himself a little more. "I was definitely stronger-looking than her."
Elaine smiled faintly, her voice tender. "Maybe you were."
Nova blinked, then grinned. He reached out and touched Mira's soft little fingers, which instinctively curled around his own.
He lay beside her, watching quietly as she held onto him. Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.
---
It had been two days since Mira was born. Maela stayed for another day to look after Elaine, but after much insisting, she finally returned home.
"Nova… hey, Nova."
"Uhm? Mom...? Huh? I slept?! When?!"
Elaine chuckled softly. "It's okay. All that training tires your body more than you realize. Now go open the door — your friends are here."
"What?! It's already evening? Oh man, I slept so much!"
Elaine gave a small laugh as Nova rushed to the door.
When he opened it, he found his friends waiting outside.
"Hey, sorry guys. I was sleeping."
"Haha, it's fine," Riku said with a grin. "You coming or you wanna rest? It's fine either way, you know."
"Nah, I'm coming. Just wait a second."
Nova turned to his mother.
"Mom, can I go? Will you be fine alone?"
"Yeah, go. I won't need anything for a while. Besides, your father will be here soon."
"Alright!"
Nova rushed out, excitement glowing on his face.
---
The cool evening breeze brushed against his skin as he stepped outside. The sky was painted in shades of gold and crimson, and the faint chatter of villagers mingled with the laughter of children in the distance.
"Come on, slowpoke!" Riku shouted, waving his hand.
"Yeah, yeah! Don't run ahead without me!" Nova replied, grinning as he caught up.
The boys ran down the narrow dirt path leading toward the outskirts of the village — their usual hangout spot by the riverbank. The scent of damp grass filled the air, accompanied by the soothing rush of flowing water.
They spent their time skipping stones, climbing rocks, and talking about things only boys their age could find exciting. After a while, they started going towards the Oak tree.
"I heard the hunters saw a big beast near the southern forest!" Riku said as they, his eyes gleaming.
"Huh? Really?" Nova's expression lit up. "What kind?"
"They said it was huge! With claws as long as a man's arm!" another friend added, stretching his arms wide for emphasis.
Nova showed no fear — only fascination. "I wanna see it one day."
Riku looked at him, half amused, half concerned. "You're crazy. That thing would eat you in one bite."
"Then I'll punch it before it opens its mouth," Nova said proudly, crossing his arms.
The boys burst into laughter. They reached the Oak tree after some time and started climbing the tree the usual way.
As the sun sank below the hills, the air cooled and the sky dimmed.
"Let's head back," Riku said. "Our moms will kill us if we're late again."
Nova nodded, taking one last look at the glowing horizon. The river shimmered under the fading light — calm and peaceful.
He smiled faintly. "Alright. Let's go."
Fireflies began to flicker along the path as they ran back together.
"Haha! What's wrong, Nova? Can't catch up?"
Huff... huff...
"Just you wait, Riku... I'm coming. It's just that—"
Huff...
Riku and the others slowed, their laughter fading.
"Hey, Nova, you okay? Let's walk. You look pale."
"Yeah, I guess... Thanks for worrying about me..."
"Ha, no worries. Let's get you home fast."
---
Back at the house, Joren had returned not long ago.
"How are you feeling now, honey?" he asked, handing a cup of herbal tea to Elaine. He sat beside Mira, who was kicking and flailing her tiny limbs.
"Better now, dear. Isn't she pretty?" Elaine asked with a proud smile.
"Yeah... she sure is. Whenever I look at her..." Joren paused, his expression softening.
Elaine chuckled. "Nova already looks like he loves her more than us."
"Haha, yeah. He really does."
Knock, knock.
"Ah, that must be him," Joren said, getting up to open the door.
As he opened it, he saw Nova standing there — panting, sweat dripping down his forehead.
"Hey... what's wrong, son? Come sit down."
"No..." Nova huffed, struggling to speak. "Dad... I think... it's happening..."