Page 62 of Psychological War
Salem
Rollingoverthecrinkleof paper I blinked my eyes a few times before they fully focused on the small piece of paper lying on my pillow. Lying back I brought the paper up and couldn’t help the small smile spreading across my lips.
You were snoring too hard, so I didn’t want to wake you.
We'll come tonight.
Zane-
“I do not snore,” I muttered. It wasn’t the point, but I still couldn’t get rid of the happiness in my heart, or the smile that was still on my face. Zane was not what I had expected. He wanted everyone to think he was just this hard guy, someone who didn’t care about others. But he did, he cared more than he wanted anyone to know.
Shoving thoughts of Zane out of my head, I made my way into the bathroom. After I finished my business, I changed into a pair of old jeans and a flannel before making my way downstairs.
“Ready to help Tobs?” I asked as I poured my coffee mug up. Tobias sat at the island eating a bowl of cereal.
“One… more… Bite.” He laughed, shoving two more bites of food into his mouth. I smiled at him as he got down from the stool before walking his bowl to the sink. After he rinsed it out and set it to the side we walked out into the crisp air.
After a few minutes of us walking to the barn Tobias opened his mouth a few times before finally heaving a loud sigh.
“Ask away, little man. Remember I told you I’m an open book.” I nudged him with my elbow as we stepped into the barn. Closing the door and locking it behind me, I flipped the lights on.
“I overheard Mama and Dada talking,” he stated.
“Okay?”
“Dada is talking about us going back home.” He didn’t have to say anything else. I already knew what he wanted to say. They were leaving, and I was staying.
“It’s okay, I’m sure your mom will come visit.” I tried to lighten the mood.
“Uncle Zaney will want to stay with you,” he said, tears threatening to fall from his eyes. I couldn’t have that.
“Hey.” I stopped in front of him. Crouching down so we were eye level I took his hands in mine. “I will always be here; I won’t leave you.”
“I don’t want to go back to being nobody like I was before.” He sniffled. I hated seeing him cry. This hadn’t been the first time he cried, and I hated that. I wanted to wrap him up in a little burrito and promise nothing was going to hurt him. But in reality, he was going to get hurt. He was in line to take over for his dad when Dimitri was too weak or if he died. Didn’t matter that he was only four years old, he was going to learn the hard life, eventually.
“You listen to me, Tobias, no matter what happens in life you know I will be right there with you. No matter what, I will help you with anything. Doesn’t matter what it is. What have I promised you?”
He looked down at our hands, his breathing increased.
“Tobias,” I lightly warned.
“You’d protect me,” he finally choked out.
Taking his chin in my hand I brought his forehead to meet mine. “I will always protect you; I promise you. I will protect you from anyone who tries to hurt you. No matter who they are, if they are the bad guys, family, or random. I willalwaysprotect you. If you need help while you’re in Russia, I will be on the next plane out of here. If you’re here, I will be right by your side.” I kissed his forehead.
“Forever…”
“And always a little bit.” Our pinkie fingers intertwined, our thumbs sticking out towards each other. Both of us kissed each other's thumbs. If I couldn’t save my own family, I’d save him.
“Now let’s train.” I laughed as we broke apart.
***
After I trained Tobias, we finished feeding the animals. He went off with Mila while I went upstairs and showered. After I finished and started pulling clothes on, my phone started to go off. Looking at who was calling I smiled and answered.
“Please tell me you’re home.” Aziza sighed, not giving me a chance to even say hello.
“I have a funny feeling you already know I am,” I said, pulling a shirt over my head.