BURNT REMAINS

The forest was burnt down. Completely. She sat in the center of it. Once moss and trees surrounded this little clearing. The buzzing of native bees used to be heard. The singing of birds used to be heard. She croaking of frogs used to be heard. The swishing of leaves used to be heard. The thumping of deers used to be heard. The gentle gurgling of the stream used to be heard. Now, all of the noise was gone. Charred trees surrounded her. This place was once her home. It was now burnt to a crisp. All of it. No hope of recovery. There were no saplings. There were no seeds. Only a burnt wasteland. A wasteland of dead trees. A wasteland of dead memories. A wasteland of death. A wasteland of flames. Her home was gone. In an instant. So fragile life could be. Flosi started sobbing. She didn't know if they were tears of joy, sadness, or nostalgia. But they were tears, salty tears. Tears and charred wood. That was what her old home was now. At least the fire hadn't spread to the mansion. At least Sunny and Flame were safe. But, all these "At least"s weren't going to help. Everything was gone. She didn't want to hear anybody utter the words "At least". Those words were the words of an optimist. Of a foolhardy person. Not everything is perfect. You just need to except that. Not "At least" yourself. You required to except that what was going on was going on. You had to except that it wasn't the worst thing that could happen. You have to except that. You have to except what you have, not think about what you don't.

"Flosi, you look a little glum, are you okay?"

She looked up to see Arcum's rainbow eyes looking into hers. His golden hair shimmered in the sunlight. His dark skin glistened with sweat.

"Am I okay? Arcum, nobody is. We're all devastated. There isn't a need to ask. So, why'd you do it?" Flosi responded, her eyes set on the charred remains of her pride and joy.

"Out of habit I guess." Arcus scratched the back of his head, appearing slightly embarrassed.

She forced a laugh, for it seemed like the right time to laugh, and what else to do? Arcum stretched out, showing off his muscles. Flosi had never noticed how muscly he was, but his muscles were more compact, keeping him agile. He wasn't big and burly. She lifted herself off the ground without the use of her hands, then she stretched out along with him, showing off her very own muscles.

"Meet me at the glacier, right after lunch." Flosi instructed, before bounding off to the mansion.