We Move Forward - by Ratte

I looked up. Towering above me was a man several times my size, knees bent to a slight squat.
His face was kind. I didn't see that very often.

Something about him was familiar.

"I've seen the both of you a few times. People've said things haven't been nice to the both of you."

The words sounded different from those here, but I could still understand them. I could only look away as a response.

"Can you speak?" he asked.

"...Yes."

"Do you have any friends or family?"

"...No, just my brother."

My sleeping brother stirred.

"Hm... Do you have any reason to stay here? This town's falling apart and I don't think it'll still be standing this time next year."

"...No."

He let out a slow sigh, but it sounded relieved somehow. The town was crumbling apart and growing smaller day by day.

"The first time I saw you both, I thought I would make some room in the house in case I saw you again. Having done so, I must ask..."

A brief silence. He looked like he was fishing for words.

"I'm...wondering if the both of you wouldn't mind coming back with me. I won't force you, though, if you don't want to. I have plenty of room in the house, hot food, and warm beds. You also wouldn't be alone."

I felt my eyes widen at such an offer. It was too good to be true. It had to be. Any words I could find before were escaping me now.

"...I know it's pretty sudden, and...perhaps a strange offer, but I don't think I could live with myself if I didn't ask."

"I would like that...but..."

I looked to him, then to my now waking brother, then back to him.

"'But'?"

"...My brother."

"Hm?"

"...He can't walk. Not very well."

"Oh, that's not at all a problem. Is that your only concern?"

"...Yes sir."

"Well, I guess we better get going," he said as he knelt further.

"...Sir?"

An outstretched hand, a kind smile.

"No one gets left behind. I will carry you both."

My hand hesitantly reached up to meet his, his clasping gently around mine.

"Are you both ready?"

A nod.

"Let's go home."

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[Music]

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