"Lady Sadie…"
Philia's voice trembled as she reached for the child I was carrying. The moment I saw her hand reach, I pulled the child closer to me.
Then I heard her giggle, as if she was happy that I was holding her tightly.
I am afraid to lose one of my child again..
Philia slowly pulled her hand back. As her eyes avoid looking at mine..
"Please let her go… look at her state."
Once she said that, I looked down.
Seeing a my little girl with her long ears peeked through her tangled brown hair. Dirt clung to her dress, streaking her small hands and face.
I see...
Philia was just worried because she was dirty.
My child must have gotten like this after playing outside for too long.
When I stood up, the child wrapped her arms around my neck warm. Just like how i carried her to safety...
I shifted her in my arms and forced myself to stand. Pain shot through my leg, but I steadied myself.
"Let's take a bath together," I whispered near her ear.
She giggled again with that cheerful voice.
Before I could take another step, Philia moved in front of me. Her eyes searched mine, desperate and shaking, as she reached for the child again.
The girl pressed closer to me. Like she's afraid of Philia.
I held her tighter.
"Let the dead go," Philia said, almost pleading.
I smiled at her."I see no dead mavis here, Philia."
Philia's knees gave out. She clung to my arm as she started sobbing.
For a moment, my attention stayed on her…
Then I looked back at the child.
Sagged.
Rotting.
Her small fingers stiff and wrong. Flies buzzed near her face, crawling where her eyes should have been.
My grip loosened.
I almost dropped her.
Before I heard her giggle again,and saw my baby girl again... looking at me…
It scared me.
I quickly pulled her closer to my chest.
It must have been my imagination.
I've seen too many bodies… too much death while we ran.
Yeahh...
That must be it...
I shook off Philia's grip and continued walking, limping toward the door.
"She smells… like a dead person," I muttered.
I paused.
What am I thinking…Mavis are different from humans.Of course we have a different smell.
That must be it…
The other mavis stood scattered in silence. Their long ears lowered, their eyes avoiding mine.
I looked away first.
Of course they couldn't meet my gaze.They failed to save them.
My children.
My husband.
I tightened my hold on the girl in my arms.