Pretend

Raduriel paused at the edge of the park pond to view the stars reflected in the water when a small hand wound its way into theirs. The small figure tugged and began to whisper, panic lacing the small figure’s words.

“Pretend you know me …”

“Tsk” She looked up at the boy’s face, seeing him shift his gaze back to the pond. “Took you long enough. Thought you said you’d be back an hour ago? Mother will be mad.”

“S…s…sorry, I got lost on my way back.”

Raduriel tightened their grip on the small child’s hand and she let out a sigh. He bent down next to them and shrugged. “You getting on or are you walking the entire way back?” They let go and tentatively the child climbed onto their back.

“Thank you” She whispered into his ear. Raduriel righted themselves, shifting ever so slightly and began walking. “I’m Poppy”

“Radureil, You got any place to be?”

“That’s an odd name? And no. I normally go to the shelter at night.”

“Hmm. Come meet Mother. You can leave after but she takes in stray cats all the time. Bad habit that. Gotten themselves robbed countless times but they take care of us all the same.” Poppy yawned and leant their head onto the back of his neck.

“Okay.” Raduriel noticed the stranger pause as they reached the house spotting a tall figure leaning on the pillar of the porch. The figure’s eyes held a glare that passed over Raduriel’s shoulder.

“Evenin’ Mother.”

“Raddy what time do you think it is?” This made Poppy startle. “Ssssh poppet. Did your mean brother keep you out all night?” She cooed as she stroked Poppy’s hair as they passed by and into the house. Mother stood on the porch with a scornful glare. “You better leave or I’m calling the police. And I bet I’m better at bullshitting than you are.”