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La Cuna is nice. Something directly out of her wild, child-like dreams of grandeur and royalty that, until just hours ago, she never thought she would bear witness to. There is an aura about it, something in the air, perhaps, that signifies safety amongst the unsafe, a haven away from the rest of the burning world. A place that, if fate decides it so, she wouldn't mind settling down in.
A home.
Amicia tries not to think of that. She will not let a dream cloud her expectations of reality, nor will she let it distract her from a promise, one of salvation and peace, that she has made to Hugo. But still, when she falls to her knees, at her lowest, the dream of a place she can decree as home, a real home, comes to her. It keeps her going, though she thinks nothing of it. For now, La Cuna, even if temporary, is the closest thing to it, and she is content with it.
Compared to what she has seen, it is a Heaven on Earth that she can never truly possess. But, while she can, she will.
Amicia cannot remember the night previous. Something about the best dinner she has ever had, and the best sleep she has ever gotten. The people were nice, as were her hosts, even if she did not fully trust them. Her memory is hazy as if hidden behind a wave of fog that is close but always out of reach. From what she does remember, the night was magical. Surreal, almost.
Opening her eyes, she knows it was all real.
Sun meets her eyes in a way that she cannot recall ever experiencing. It blinds her temporarily, obscuring the rest of the world from her view. Eventually, she sees that she has awakened to a world that is just as foreign to her. She is a fish out of water; the room she is in is fit for a queen, to which she is not. As out of place as she feels, she does not utter a word of complaint.
All that is heard is the soft chirps of birds.
Ornately decorated, the room is much bigger than any she is known before. Bookshelves line the walls, while tables, chairs, and desks are spread out evenly throughout. What remained of their little belongings were thrown messily onto the ground, covering the meticulous craftsmanship put into them. The bed is unlike anything Amicia has seen before, and plenty more comfortable than the likes that she is used to. Visions of buildings, trees, and the mountains above are just beyond the scope of the window, waiting to be explored.
In due time. For now, upon waking, Amicia tries to fully adjust herself to the world of the living. But she cannot, for if she does, she risks disturbing Hugo.
God knows he needs the rest. His little legs have carried him plenty far, and yet, they still have plenty further to go. He knows it, and so does she. It is a scary road, but one they will walk together. Amicia would walk it for him alone if she could. If possible, she would take the burden of the Macula, his mortal struggle, and place it upon herself, all to make him comfortable, no matter the personal cost. Though not possible, Amicia promises herself to do all that is necessary to find a cure, to make sure her brother makes it through the night.
For now, letting him rest will do.
Both of her arms wrap around his small frame, gently pulling him close. His chest rises and falls rhythmically. He pretends that he does not like it when awake, complaining of Amicia being too overbearing. And yet, he cannot sleep when he is away from his sister; in order to ensure a good sleep, he needs to be next to Amicia, held gently, as if to be shielded from the harm of the world. Then, and only then, does he feel safe enough to fall asleep, despite earlier reservations.
Amicia knows she must awaken him soon, for answers lie dormant, eternally in waiting. But, for the young boy who has the weight of the entire world and all of its inhabitants on his shoulders to balance delicately, it can wait. Just for another few moments of grace.
The sun climbs in the sky, shining more and more in the eyes of Hugo. Subconsciously, he recoils, pulling himself closer to Amicia for protection.
"I love you," she says, placing a kiss on the back of his head, "Now, and always."
When, not if, they escaped Hugo's curse, Amicia not only owed it not only to herself, but to him, a life free of danger and stress. That will happen, she will make sure of it, but for now, for one small moment in paradise, she is happy. She is at peace. She is okay.
And it’s all because of Hugo.