Taris's House

  Kalira returned with her grandfather, bringing tea, some sweets, and cakes.

  Taris: (With a calm expression) How happy I am for your safe return.

  Okays: Protecting her was my responsibility, so I had to bring her back.

  Taris: (Smiling) Thank you. So, did you find the beast?

  Okays: Yes, of course. It’s here with us.

  Taris: (Surprised) Where is it? I don’t see it. Is it outside?

  Okays: (Looking at his shoulder) It’s right here.

  Taris: (Laughing out loud) Are you talking about this little bird?

  Torrance: (Loudly) Excuse me! Are you referring to me as a little bird?

  Taris: (Amazed) Oh, it speaks.

  Okays: Yes, his name is Torrance. He’s usually massive but can shrink to this size when needed.

  Taris: (Amazed) I’ve heard of this before, but I thought it was just a myth.

  Okays: Even I didn’t expect he could shrink. He was really huge when I first met him.

  Taris: So, when are you leaving, Okays?

  Okays: Well, I was about to leave right away, but there’s a problem.

  Torrance: What is it?

  Okays: It’s your granddaughter, Kalira. She wants to come with me, but I don’t think it’s in her best interest.

  Taris: (Smiling) So that’s the issue? No worries; she’s grown now and knows what she’s doing. If her wish is to accompany you on your journey, then that’s her decision to make.

  Taris calls Kalira over.

  Kalira: Yes, Grandfather?

  Taris: Are you sure you want to accompany Okays on his journey?

  Kalira: Yes, Grandpa. I want to see what lies beyond those walls and experience the outside world.

  Taris: (Smiling) You’ve really grown, my dear granddaughter. I won’t stop you from leaving, but remember, Kalira, there’s no pce out there for creatures like us.

  Kalira: It’s okay, Grandpa. I’ll wear a mask and a scarf like Okays, and everything will be fine.

  Taris: (Sighing) I don’t think that will work. Have you forgotten you have a horn on your head? How do you pn to hide that?

  Kalira: (Crying) So am I doomed to live here alone, bearing this miserable life filled with blood and death?

  Taris moves closer, embracing Kalira warmly, filled with love and comfort.

  Taris: (Speaking softly) It’s okay, Kalira, it’s okay. I know you’ve endured a lot since losing your parents. I’m truly sorry I didn’t realize you felt this way. Forgive this foolish old man.

  Taris gently pces his warm hands on Kalira's face, wiping the tears from her eyes.

  Kalira: It’s okay, Grandpa. It’s not your fault. It’s mine for being born within these walls full of evil.

  Taris: No, Kalira, it’s not your fault. It was our mistake, we adults, for turning this once-peaceful world into one of destruction—a world that once held love and kindness among creatures to one that now bears hatred and anger toward us. It’s our fault, so don’t bme yourself, my dear granddaughter.

  Kalira calms down a bit, while Torrance and Okays watch them, recalling the warmth of family and wishing for such warmth to be present in all families across the world.

  Outside the Story

  Dear reader, know that one never truly understands the warmth and tenderness of family until they lose it. Try to cherish every moment with your family, no matter the cost. Ask someone who has lost their parents how it feels to face the world alone. So, try to spend time with your family, smiling till the end of your life, whatever the cost. Just remember.

  Taris: If you’re determined, there is a way to hide your horns.

  Kalira: (Excited) Really? What is it?

  Taris: You simply have to cut them off.

  Kalira: (Terrified) Are you joking, Grandpa?

  Taris: (Laughing out loud) I was just kidding.

  Okays and Torrance: (Sighing) You really scared us there.

  Torrance: (Laughing) The atmosphere was a bit gloomy, so I thought I’d lighten things up.

  Kalira: So what’s the real way, Grandpa?

  Taris: Well, it’s an ability you need to learn. Creatures used it long ago, before the walls were erected, to blend in with humans. It’s not very hard, but it requires concentration. Are you ready?

  Kalira: Yes, I’ll learn it.

  Taris: Alright. For the ability, you’ll need to focus all your blood on your horns and pull them inward. Don’t worry, your skull won’t be crushed. Just try to pull in as much as possible; it’s fine to leave a little out, as the mask will cover it.

  Kalira: Grandpa, I don’t know how to do that.

  Taris: It’s alright. I’ll teach you, but it will take a lot of focus and a few days. (Taris looks at Okays) Will you wait?

  Okays: Sure, I’ll wait for her.

  Taris begins teaching Kalira, and four days pass.

  To be continued...