94. Before sunrise

When we last left the story, Elijah and Fatima had completed all their preparations for their wedding and it was clear to everyone that Rasmus and Izumi’s babies were finally on the way.
It’s time to return with some kind of redemption.

*****

Late night in Brindleton Bay

After Rasmus and Izumi are taken to the maternity ward at the hospital, Don does the dishes.

Fabio sits in front of the television to watch a children’s programme.

Don approaches the couch to sit with him.

“What are we looking at Fabio?” he asks kindly.

“It’s an entertainment program for children,” Fabio explains patiently, even though it should be obvious.

“Shouldn’t a healthy boy like you be playing football instead?” Don asks.

“Hm! Yeah…” Fabio mumbles a little absent-mindedly.

Don wonders how Fabio can be so absorbed. When he was a boy, he could never concentrate on anything that required him to sit down for more than five minutes.

*****

Half an hour later the children’s show ends, so Don thinks it must be time for Fabio to brush his teeth and go to bed.

“But Don, you promised to play football with me. I’m sure it will be easier for me to sleep if my body gets really tired,” says Fabio.

“Well, that sounds right to me, but afterwards it’s bedtime.” Don says as he tries to show some authority.

“Sure Don.” replies Fabio with conviction.

*****

Don is quite impressed when Fabio starts juggling the ball.

“Who taught you those ball tricks, kiddo?” he asks curiously as he receives the ball from Fabio.

“Jayden did. He is really good at playing football.” Fabio replies as he juggles.

“Well, I’m impressed,” Don says as he heads the ball.

Fabio is certainly impressed with Don too. He needs to practice that trick so he can show it to Jayden.

So they continue to play back and forth between them for a while longer.

Finally, Fabio says he is tired and ready to sleep.

*****

Don looks around Fabio’s room.

“You got a new poster,” he says.

One of Fabio’s future dreams is to become a space ranger, which can be seen from the movie poster.
Next to the poster is a picture pinned to the wall with small pins. A picture of Fabio and a boy his age.

“So that’s your friend Jayden?” says Don.

When he turns around, Fabio is already in his pajamas and on his way to bed.

“Sweet dreams Fabio.” he says, pulling the blanket tightly around the little boy.

He gets no answer. Fabio is already fast asleep.

*****

San Myshuno, at the Waterside Warble

Elijah feels a bubbling joy as he looks at the decorated stage that will soon be the setting for his wedding.

He’s getting married!

No matter what people think about him, He still often feels like a lanky, pimply boy, unsure of his own worth.

It was definitely not written anywhere that Fatima would end up becoming his soulmate and the love of his life.
He clearly remembers their first meeting.

She looked at him with a look full of mistrust and wariness. Like a lioness ready to defend her pack.

When, by a stroke of luck, he managed to persuade her to pose as a model, she showed another side of the lioness’s lithe elegance. He immediately fell in love with her.

He would never dare ask her, but the lioness sees and identifies her target.

Windenburg will forever stand in a special light in his memories. It was here that he felt his infatuation met with retribution.

He had never before felt so sure about anything. If he were to lose everything else, he would carry her forever. She’s the love of his life.

Elijah’s thoughts move on to the happy day when he fell to his knees in front of her atop the lighthouse on Deadgrass Isle and proposed to her.

Luckily she said yes.

In the midst of their euphoria, Ambrosius came by and they started their own pack together.

Suddenly he hears voices coming up the stairs. He turns towards the sound and feels his blood rushing through his veins.

Here she comes.

*****

In the hospital maternity ward

Rasmus wipes Izumi’s forehead with a damp cloth.

“You heard the midwife’s words Izumi. The babies are fine. You should try to get some sleep.”

“But I don’t understand why the contractions have stopped, Rasmus…please call the midwife again.” she pleads.

“Yes, of course, dear.” he says and gives her a kiss on the forehead. He can hear from her breathing that she is about to fall asleep.

Rasmus sits down to wait while he tries to read a book. He has never been the most avid reader, but he needs something to distract him.

The midwife has listened to the babies’ heartbeats and assured them that everything sounds fine and completely normal.
It’s not unusual for the contractions to pause, so Izumi just needs to rest and gather her strength while she can.

He can’t really concentrate on the book and the TV is a no go as he doesn’t want to wake Izumi. She must be exhausted.

He might be a little hungry?

There is a refrigerator in the room with various snacks for free use. He finds himself a sandwich with cheese and ham.

He has almost finished his sandwich when he hears Izumi breathing heavily. The contractions have clearly returned.

“Please Rasmus…I could use your support,” she moans.

*****

Here they are again, swaying together. He shouldn’t be worried as the midwife has said everything is fine, and yet it still worries him that she is in such pain.

“You’re so good to me, Rasmus.” she whispers as she lets herself sink into his embrace.

He would carry her forever. She’s the love of his life.

They still have a long night ahead of them so we’ll leave them here for a while.

*****

San Myshuno, at the Waterside Warble

“Fatima! What have you done!?” Elijah exclaims in surprise.

“The hairstylist suggested a hair dye and a trendy haircut. I thought it would surprise you.”

“It certainly did….I really loved your beautiful long hair, but yes you look amazing…changed but great.” Elijah stutters.

“The color will fade over time, but I actually like the short hair. Does it make you doubt whether you want to marry me?” Fatima asks with a worried frown.

“Heck no! I love how you can surprise me.” Elijah says with a laugh.

So here we go….

“Fatima, with this ring I take you to be my wife and I promise to love you and support you in whatever surprises you bring in the future,” says Elijah.

Fatima stands silent for a long time as she stares at the glimmer of the ring in the spotlight.

Elijah can’t stop looking at her, as if he still hasn’t grasped her transformation.

“So what do you say Fatima? Don’t you have anything to say to me?” he asks hesitantly.

Then it’s Fatima’s turn to give Elijah a ring and say her vows. With that, their marriage is sealed.

“Shouldn’t this be now you kiss your bride?” Fatima asks with a raised eyebrow.

These words wake Elias from his trance and rarely has a man been seen with a more determined grip than Elijah right now.

It will be a kiss that neither Fatima nor those standing nearby will soon forget.

There is a giggle and a cheer in the room. This is not a kiss normally seen between a bride and groom after they share their vows.

It’s hard to tell what Fatima is thinking but she looks a little petrified ore maybe she is just surprised.

Then this happens.

It is clearly stated that these two are each other’s equals.

Elijah turns around in surprise at the sound of cheering and whistling.

Only now does he discover the group of friends and neighbors who have witnessed their wedding. What a cheerful moment for them all.

*****

Late evening in the hospital maternity ward

A waning moon stands high in the sky over the hospital.

Rasmus yawns heartily. Izumi has grown tired of swaying and has gone back to bed.

He yawns again and lies down on the sofa.

Izumi lies on the bed, looking worriedly into the air. Another long pause in her contractions makes her worry again. Maybe she should call a doctor and ask to check if everything is okay with the babies ?

Rasmus is sleeping and she quietly slips out of bed. She sees no reason to wake him now.

She wants to go for a walk as the midwife has suggested to speed up her contractions.

She only gets a few steps down the hall when she feels the next contraction begin.

“So you’ve decided to come to night anyway, you little buggers?” she groans.

She tries to control her breathing, as she learned in childbirth preparation.

Then she lets out a loud scream in pain.

When the pain subsides, she walks back towards the room. She gives up all thoughts of going for a walk.

The bed stands before her like a welcome invitation.

Rasmus is still sleeping. Luckily she hasn’t woken him up with her outburst. He must be exhausted.

*****

Late evening in Brindleton Bay

Don sits in front of Rasmus’ house and lets his thoughts wander.

If someone had told him years ago that he would be sitting here one night as a volunteer nanny, he would have laughed at them.

Years ago, most of his focus was on sports and women. He spent his waking hours toning up his muscles and cultivating his image as the state’s most charming womanizer. A title he was proud of because it made him someone to talk about.

Everything started to change when he met Rasmus.

“I really thought I had to teach Rasmus something. He seemed so immature, but maybe it’s the other way around,” Don says to Futte, who answers him with a knowing look.

“You know, I didn’t realize he had already started to change my mind when we traveled together to Sulani.”

The thought of Sulani fills him with unease…. He lost something in Sulani….. his confidence…. then he got these damn paralysis. He….

Don’s train of thought is interrupted by the sound of footsteps on the stairs. He hears Fabio’s voice calling his name.

“Come on, let’s sit for a moment.” Don says.

Fabio follows Don with his eyes as they sit down on the bench.

“Why aren’t you sleeping?” Don asks.

“I can’t sleep. I am scared.” says Fabio with a trembling voice.

“What’s up kiddo. Is that the ugly monster back?” Don asks, concerned.

“No, I’m worried about my mom. I heard her scream.” says Fabio.

“But it can’t be Fabio. Your mother is in hospital many miles away on the other side of Windenburg.” Don says.

“But I swear Don. I think she is in pain.” Fabio says with firm conviction.

“Well, you must have been dreaming, Fabio…. She’s probably in some pain, but she’s in the hospital and the doctors are taking god care of her. I’m sure she’s not in any danger. Try to think of something nice instead.” Don says.

“Will you tell me a story Don, to put my mind at ease.” Fabio pleads.

“I don’t really know any stories suitable for a boy your age, but maybe we can look at the stars together,” Don suggests.

Fabio gratefully accepts the distraction.

*****

Fabio follows Don as he goes to find an open spot on the lawn.

He prepares to lie down and Fabio follows his movements.

Don points to the sky and tries to remember what he has learned about constellations and the movements of the planets.

Fabio lies still and listens to Don’s voice, even though in some ways he knows considerably more about stars than Don.
It doesn’t matter. The most important thing is the sound of Don’s voice. It feels like it embraces him with calmness and security.

A waning moon stands high in the sky over Brindleton Bay.

As Don gradually stops talking, they both lie quietly together in shared devotion. The sky is so unimaginably endless.

*****

San Myshuno, at the Waterside Warble

At Fatima and Elijah’s wedding, it’s time to gather the guests around the cake.

“Did you really make that cake yourself Elijah?” says Fatima.

Elijah is about to apologize for the boring outcome, but when he sees Fatima’s shining eyes, he just says thank you.
Hopefully the taste can overshadow its appearance.

As tradition dictates, they cut the cake together.

Elijah tentatively sticks his fork into the cake. The texture seems promising.

They take the first bite together. After that, the cake is free for everyone to enjoy.

They join Marcus at a table right behind the stage…”What do you think?” Fatima asks

“I’d say you both look amazing.” Marcus says kindly as he looks from Elijah to Fatima.

“Thanks Marcus! I was referring to Elijah’s cake, but you mentioned it. I’ll credit the hairdresser Jade found for me. I’m sure she can do wonders when it’s Jade’s turn to be the bride,” Fatima says excitedly.

“Well, she probably can,” Marcus replies, looking skeptically at the tangle of bright orange curls standing straight up on Fatima’s head.
He begins to fear that Jade’s beautiful long hair will be transformed into a shocking pink morass.

*****

In the hospital’s maternity ward

Rasmus is sleeping heavily and when Izumi suddenly feels hungry, she quietly sneaks out of bed to find a snack in the fridge.

She eats the cake in small bites while listening to Rasmus’ calm snoring.

Rasmus doesn’t seem to have any problems with the uncomfortable sleeping position.

Suddenly he wakes up with a start. He hears voices in the room.

In front of him he sees Izumi talking to the midwife.

“Only four centimeters, how is that possible?” Izumi asks with disappointment in her voice.

Rasmus approaches, unsure whether to be concerned.

“Your children’s heartbeat sounds fine. Everything is going completely normally and by the book. Natural childbirth takes the time it needs to.” replies the midwife with a smile.

Izumi looks at Rasmus with a tired and disappointed look. There’s still a long night ahead.

The sight cuts him to the heart.

“I’ll check in on you in an hour. There’s no need to worry,” the midwife says in a firm voice.

*****

Izumi eats the last of her cake while Rasmus tries to comfort her.

Then another contraction begins. It presses with tremendous force across her lower back.

“Please Rasmus, will you massage my back?” she gasps.

Rasmus follows Izumi worriedly as she walks towards the large yoga ball in the room.

He shouldn’t be worried, but it takes all his strength to stay calm. After all, he’s not the one suffering the most at this moment.

*****

After midnight in Brindleton Bay

“Well kiddo, it’s way past midnight, what do you say we give it another try at going to bed?” says Don.

“That’s ok Don.” says Fabio obligingly.

Fabio follows Don with his eyes as they walk towards the entrance of the house. He loves his mother and Rasmus, but he simply adores Don. He is smart, kind and athletic. In Fabio eyes, he is everything he dreams of becoming.

He is still too young to envision the challenges of adulthood.

“Do you think it will be long before they come home? Do you really think my mom is okay, Don?” Fabio asks when he sees the picture of his mother and Rasmus on the wall.

“It will probably take a few more hours, but I know she’s okay Fabio and tomorrow when you wake up you’ll be a big brother to two new siblings.” Don replies encouraging.

“What is it like to have siblings Don? Are you a big brother too?” Fabio asks seriously.

“No, I don’t have any siblings that I know of.” Don answers seriously.

“How can you not know?” Fabio asks in surprise.

“Well, I haven’t lived with my mom and dad since I was very little. I was probably 3-4 years old when I went into foster care. But my foster parents were nice people so I didn’t mind. When I turned 16 I moved out to fend for myself and I haven’t looked back since.” explains Don.

Fabio listens seriously to his story. He can’t imagine living without his mother and Rasmus.

“But your foster parents, don’t they miss you?” Fabio asks seriously.

“I guess it’s never been my thing to think so deeply about these kinds of questions. I really don’t know Fabio.” Don says hesitantly.…..

“Now it’s time for you to go to sleep. We can’t have you being exhausted from lack of sleep tomorrow, can we?” Don continues immediately afterwards.

“We can be your family now. You don’t have to be lonely anymore” says Fabio firmly.

Don stops in the middle of a movement….”Well, thank you Fabio.” he replies in a soft voice.

As he wraps the blanket around Fabio, Don wonders how such a little boy can ask such profound questions about life?

“Goodnight kiddo.” he whispers as he gives Fabio a light kiss on the cheek.

I would really like to think of you as my family too, Don thinks without him daring to say it aloud.

*****

After putting Fabio to bed, Don undresses and go to sleep in the guest bed.

He has usually been so confident in his bachelor lifestyle and never questioned whether he wanted it any other way. The meeting with Rasmus and his family has shown him that perhaps life can contain so much more.

It’s not in Don’s nature to lie awake over such speculations, so he soon falls asleep soundly.

He doesn’t hear when Brooke carefully pushes the door open and enters the room.

It may be that Don doesn’t consider himself a cat lover and doesn’t show any immediate attachment, but Brooke knows better.

Of course she doesn’t want to leave a dear friend alone. She curls up on the floor in front of the bed. and soon they are both sleeping safely in each other’s presence.

Fabio is sleeping soundly under the magical night lamp that Rasmus once gave him as a gift.
Fortunately, it continues like this for the rest of the night, so we will leave them both for now.

*****

Author’s note: I have gradually made a habit of writing very long chapters, but there are some reasons why I chose to publish this chapter before Izumi’s birth and the wedding party are completed.
Firstly, I think this is a natural break. Secondly, this chapter has been finished for almost a month or more.
It should not be a secret that I am very affected by the festival bug that occurred in my game after an update in September. The overlapping festivals have contaminated all my many saves and not least affected my motivation. I hope that with this publication I can get some of the motivation and desire to continue the story back.
I still have plenty of image material in my archive so that should not be an excuse.
I hope you welcome this chapter. Thanks for reading. 💖