Chapter Text
- Do you really have to go?
The little girl grabbed her brother's pants and looked at him in the eyes.
When Ronald heard her, his heart thumped painfully. He felt that his sister - Lockheart - was pitiful. But apart from sympathy, what else could he does?
The respected old father of both siblings, their only mental support and financial resource, is now gone. The wealth he had accumulated for a lifetime would have been used to raise his children, at least until Ronald got a job and continued to do the same with Lockheart. It was the same amount of money, but at least it’s enough to guarantee a full meal for the two siblings every day.
Now?
The case hasn’t been clarified yet but the stage controller had gone to jail. He became the culprit, a murderer in the eyes of the public. The mechanical shop of the family was forced to close down, all of his properties were turned into compensation for the relatives of the actress who died in the case - Lanchesis.
When someone dies, there will be people who are sad. The sadness is immeasurable, even more so easily overshadowed by the children's subconscious. And when someone leaves, the only thing that stays is the memory and the consequences. Money cannot buy happiness, it can’t bring those who have gone back. But at least, money will make up for the consequences so that no one would have to suffer.
Now, all are lost.
Except hope.
- I’ll be fine. I will send allowance back every month, you won’t have to skip breakfast anymore.
- That's not what makes me worried...
Lockheart tried to suppress her emotions.
- If you go, who will look after the shop? Who will wake me up every morning? Who will wash your clothes?
- I asked Mrs. Hudson to look after you, and you don't have to mind me. I’m an adult now, 18 years old!
Knowing that her words weren’t enough to hold her dear brother, she knew she had only one last excuse, which was the most important and painful excuse for her.
- But... but... you’re about to go to the battlefield. There... there are guns... firecrackers... and, and...
Her voice gradually trembled, her throat was also choked with emotions that Lockheart couldn’t speak anymore, because she knew that saying one more sentence, her tears would flow, and she wouldn’t be able to prevent herself from crying.
Ronald understood what his sister said. No, in the first place, he was the one who knew well what he’s about to face, and it was also what Lockheart worried and feared.
It was the hardships, the torment of body and mind on the battlefield.
It was the injuries, the scars that may be permanent.
It was death, the loss that would be too much for an 11-year-old child like Lockheart to bear alone.
It was also one of the reasons why Ronald was very hesitant about his decision.
Memories came back to him, showing the moment he expressed his intention to Mrs. Hudson to ask her to look after his sister during his absence. It was past midnight, Lockheart was still asleep, an ideal time for the conversation between him and his neighbor to not be eavesdropped by a chattering mice.
- Ronald...
Like Lockheart, Mrs. Hudson was also shocked to hear about this decision from him.
Ms. Hudson, an elderly woman, the owner of the apartment where Ronald and Lockheart lived. She was also one of the first to hear about his father's incident, and tried to defend the old man in court, and also a neighbor who had been with his small family for a long time. Because she lived alone in a small house located in a corner of London. She considered Ronald and Lockheart as her grandchildren.
So when she heard of his reckless decision, she couldn’t help feeling an immeasurable anxiety, then grabbed the boy’s shoulders.
- You are young, this shouldn’t be your first decision as an adult. Everyone only lives once, think carefully. I can recommend you a job at Elizabeth's flower shop. Though it doesn’t give you much money, it is safer than the path you have chosen.
- Mrs. Hudson, I asked Mr. Phillipe to contact the officer to transfer me to the colonization unit. He also said he would send another person to come with me. You don't-
- We can ask the old man to tell the officer to cross out your name, there’s still time!
She huffed, almost sounded panicked.
- Ronald, please, it's the battlefield, a completely different place from ours. Moreover, the case of your father has not been clarified yet. What if the jury will prove the truth that he was innocent and return his properties to you?
- ...But, what if father was really guilty?
The clear words shocked her, because that was one of the last things she expected to be uttered from Ronald's mouth.
- You...
Ronald softened his voice, no longer looking gloomy.
- I have thought of the worst scenario, Mrs. Hudson. I never dared to think bad of my father, but... this is also related to Lockheart. Winter is coming soon, and I can't wait longer.
As the older brother, Ronald could not deny his responsibility, dare to be dependent on anyone else other than himself. In the moment his father needed the help the most, he was unable to be with him. This time, Ronald won’t let the same thing happen to his sister.
The things he would does for his family.
- So, with all sincerity, can you take care of her while I’m gone?
Facing the solid determination of the boy, the old woman didn’t want to agree but knew that she shouldn’t overdo it. Helpless at his situation, she just sighed.
- I can't even think of refusing.
She didn’t object anymore, still, she hasn’t stopped worrying.
- But for Lockheart, she certainly won't accept it so easily. What are you going to say to her?
The last problem to take care of.
- I... will try to talk to her. After all, she’s my sister, I know her best.
That's why right here, right now, both are standing at Victoria station. Each passing second brings them closer to the moment of separation. Words cannot express all emotions, but it seems that both understood their thoughts, because nothing is more painful than having to leave their closest relatives, unclear of the return date as well as the whole body and soul after the fight for survival.
- Now, where is my stubborn and carefree sister?
Ronald bent down in front of her. He smiled, a wry smile. He understood how she was feeling too, it hurts so much. If he was the child from the past, Ronald would’ve sobbed already. But he can't do that now, he doesn't allow himself to be vulnerable in front of his sister. He must stay strong, he must become her solid pillar, he must show that he was really determined to not regret anything more.
The more devastating reality becomes, the stronger the human must be, to stand still in the storm of life.
- Come on, I know it's hard to accept, but we can't give up.
Words from the past appeared little by little in the boy- the young man’s memories. A soft, warming voice guiding his words in reality as he caress his sister's blonde hair.
- Father always taught us to be as firm as a nail, as smooth as a gear...
- ...And as flexible as Big Ben. Even if subjected to storms and rain, never fall.
Seeing Lockheart trying to suppress her emotions, Ronald was relieved a little. He seemed happy when the usually dumb girl still remembered the words of their late father, then praise her.
- That's right! My sister is always the best.
Knowing that she was being teased, but Lockheart smiled with her brother, her tears were wiped away by the big hand, leaving the lovely face and the smile like the dazzling sunshine to return. Ronald, even if dead, will never forget it, the only remaining sunshine of his life. That is also the reason why he must protect it at all costs.
- Brother...
Laughters suddenly stopped, then Lockheart took his hand, her face still had the faint sadness but tried to be determined - for the first time.
- Just like you said, father always taught us to stand still. So… I believe you will be okay on the battlefield. But I wanted you to always remember that...
She used both hands to hold her brother’s big one tightly, tears forming in the corner of her eyes again, but this time they didn’t fall.
- I love you. Promise me you will return home one day?
Ronald’s honeyed pools widened as he looked in his sister’s amber eyes.
The feeling of hesitation once again rose in the heart of the young man. There are too many risks, the possibilities are also very low in ensuring his safety when going to the battlefield.
However, they were never impossible.
And if it’s possible, it will happen, Ronald guarantee.
- I promise.
The two hugged each other one last time, feeling a little warmth left in the cold of the cold dew weather as well as the moment of separation. Not long after, the tube arrived.
The whistle howled through the station, rising the white smoke into the cloudy sky. The tube gradually went, accelerated, away from the bustling London, the land of fog. Leaving home, away from family, away from his warming childhood.
The wheels in turn moved smoothly, making the tube leave Hounslow - the last territory of London, obviously.
Why does Ronald feel like he’s missing something?
Sitting still looking at the view outside the window, this wasn’t the first time Ronald had left the town. But the feeling of emptiness in his chest has never been. It has been less than half an hour, but he was starting to miss his stubborn little sister already. He sighed, couldn’t believe how vulnerable he was after promising that he’ll stay strong.
He’s such a terrible promise keeper.