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Phil wasn't sure what to think as he sat pondering at three in the morning. He looked out at their safehaven from their modest treehouse. The sanctuary was beautiful- even in the dark. The dim glow of the lanterns outlined the tall, reaching columns of the structure and the many dazzling roses. Each bud was perfectly red and in full bloom no less. Vines crawled up the white columns, painting them red and green. The hummingbirds were delighted to buzz around the area; they found their own safety in this sanctuary.
Phil dropped his gaze downward. He had no fear of the long fall for he longed for the skies. He watched his legs swing back and forth with his anxious thoughts. Chayanne shouldn't have to deal with this. My son shouldn't have to carry this burden. He's just a kid. There was no end to the buzzing in his head. It was worse than the crows cawing in his ear. That thought at least brought a small smile to his lips. It didn't last.
If only his kids were safe. What he wouldn't give for his kids to be free of so much suffering. For everyone on this island to not have to be on their guard every waking moment. His son wouldn't have to carry the weight of all the eggs on his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. All the guilt and worry wouldn't plague his son's days- and nights.
The worried father glanced behind him to a thankfully peaceful Chayanne. Phil hoped that their talk earlier and the reconciliation with Tallulah had eased his mind and his big heart. Phil was lucky to have such wonderful kids; he just wished that they could have the life they deserved.
Maybe with Rose to protect them they could live relatively normal lives. However normal they can live with the codes continuing to attack and the one-eyed workers having a vendetta against him. If either Chayanne or Tallulah died Phil wouldn't know what to do with himself. He knew Wil would take the news hard if Tallulah passed, but so would Phil. He had raised Tallulah and had always considered her to be his daughter.
A few creaking steps behind Phil alerted him of someone's approach. A sleepy Tallulah shuffling towards him was the sight he was greeted with as he turned. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she neared and let out a short yawn as she sat beside him.
Papa? Why are you up? She signed slowly. Her grogginess making it harder to find the words she means to sign.
For the past few months Phil had been practicing sign language with both of his kids. It was slow going and Chayanne was known to get frustrated when he couldn't get it right, but he was always ready to try again the next day. Tallulah had been feeling more confident as of late and had asked if she could try and sign as often as she could to which Phil had happily agreed.
Couldn't sleep. Sorry if I woke you. Phil's hands were slower than his daughter's. Age making him a slower- but no less determined- learner.
It's ok. Why can't you sleep? Tallulah seemed so concerned and Phil was stuck thinking that she should never have to worry so much.
Papa? She signed after a moment.
Phil thought for another moment before he began.
I just got caught up in my own thoughts. I just wish things were better. That both of you could live happy lives and not have to worry that death might be around the corner.
But we do live happy lives papa. I have you and Chay and even if my papa is away I know I still have him.
I know and I am happy that we have each other. I just wish there didn't have to be such danger. You two deserve better.
Tallaluh now paused to think. Her nose twitched side to side as she often did when contemplating something.
I'm not the same Tallulah I was before. I've said that before. I think that with everything that's happened I've changed, but I don't think that's a bad thing. I've adapted and even if it was because of the danger I think I'm happier than ever. I feel stronger. Even though I still miss my papa, I feel like I can handle anything and I'm happy. Tallulah signed as best she could and occasionally signed words she did not know letter by letter, but she did not stop until she finished.
Phil lifted his arms in a silent invitation and Tallulah pounced into his arms. He almost lost his balance but he didn't care. He had the world's best daughter and the world's best son and he couldn't have asked for better kids.
You're right. Even if it isn't the best life, we can still have fun and make all the happy memories in the world. I shouldn't have worried you so much. I'm sorry. Neither you nor Chayanne should have to worry about that.
Tallulah shook her head fiercely. Her long hair hitting her face with each violent movement.
You're ok papa. You're already the best papa I could have hoped for and you're doing your best on your own.
What did I do to deserve such awesome kids?
Tallulah laughed silently with a hand at her mouth.
What's going on? A pair of small hands appeared between them and then Chayanne came into view.
Chayanne's own sleepy frame stumbled to his dad's other side. His eyes drooped, heavy with sleep.
We were just enjoying the stars and making conversation. Phil signed to his son.
Chayanne nodded slightly before his eyes shuttered closed and he leaned onto his dad's shoulder. Tallulah laughed another silent laugh, but she too leaned on her papa's other shoulder. Phil smiled as each kid was swept into dreams.
"Sweet dreams." He mumbled as he too closed his eyes and slept. He couldn't recall a more peaceful sleep.