11 Moving on (2/2)

Raam laughed at her passionate explanation of the book, ”The man is amazing author, Raam Malum.”

”He really is, I hear he is young too. Love to pick his brain on the symbols in his stories. There are so many and even after so many rereads, I feel I'm still missing some.” She wished her chin held in her hands and eyes glistening.

”Here is the packet back.” Raam handed over the packet.

”Thanks! We will-” She didn't finish her sentence as her eyes widened.

”Pleasure to meet you.” Raam offered his hand with a teeth filled smile.

”Mr. Malum, oh my god!” She got out the words in a fluster.

Raam laughed, ”Please call me Raam, I'm still young.”

She shook his hand and handed over the book for him to sign.

”Thank you Raam! Your writing is amazing!”

The two exchanged more formalities, before Raam asked to be allowed to walk around the premise. He did so after leaving a form of identification at the desk, his driver's license.

It was finally happening; he was finally taking the next steps in his life. Was he done avoiding everything? Had the pain subsided? His phone was off, his mind was calm, everything felt right. Maybe his reasoning for now doing it was wrong, but he was taking his first steps to a new life.

This is what people do, they change their lives after something traumatic happens to someone they care about. Which to the other people in the world, who stop and think before taking such drastic choices, will see as wrong. His father is dying, and he only ever wished a few things of his son, happiness and a grandchild.

As Raam found his way to the main area of the foster home, he saw a cluster of children playing with a wide variety of toys.

Seeing them all so happy brought a smile to his face, the joys of being young.

As his glaze passed over them all it paused on a familiar face. He did a double take to make sure he wasn't seeing things. He shouldn't be here; he was supposed to have a family.

There in the middle of the cluster of children sat Umbra.