NeverSeen

After I found my parents waiting around the open-carriage station, I apparently fell asleep on my dad’s shoulder. I don’t remember any dreams. Just the cold night wind washing around me. Just the light of the fireflies guiding us home. Just the peaceful presence of content and sleepy family members.

Getting ready for bed shortened because of the hour. No reading. No late-night snack. Just a quick shower and into pajamas and into bed. It was pointless for me, of course. I was going to be up and fighting in a few hours, and who knew how dirty I was going to get doing that.

As I tried to fall asleep to the snuffling snores of the hummers outside my window, I heard Mom singing a lullaby to Ash and Ume. It was my favorite, one I missed from childhood when I wasn’t plagued by nightmares of death and horror and evil things happening to people I loved. The lyrics followed me into my dreams, guarding me from the demons seeking to drive me beyond the brink.

“You are my Sunshine, my only Sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray…”