리틀팍스

                            Little men, after 5 years #Reunited

"Dan, I'm cold..." Nan whined. Dan kept on walking. How long did they walk? There were pitch darkness and high tall trees they had not seen before. Dan was very tired as Nan. After all, his legs were weak-because of the accident 5 years ago. His legs looked just like anyone else on the outside, but it can't be overdo. "It's too dark in here. Can you lit up the light?" Dan picked up two branches. He remembered how he did it 5 years ago-when he ran away from Mr. Page's. He rubbed the two branches all his might. "Ugh, it doesn't work!" His arms ached. Just then, there was rustle in the bushes. Nan screamed and squeezed Dan's arm. She reminded the thought when she was lost in woods with Rob. Dan could feel Nan's fear. He shouted, "Who's there!" He tried to be brave, but he cannot help his voice trembling.

A bear? Maybe an elephant? In that short time, tens of thousands of thoughts came to mind. Instead of bear or an elephant, a small life popped out. "Rob!" Nan exclaimed, hugging him into her arms. They went back not saying a word. They were too exhausted to talk.

By the moonlight, Dan could see the two younger faces, covered in dust and tears. Dan blurted out, trying to sound indifferently. "You alright?" Rob sobbed, throwing his arms on Dan's neck. Dan himself, was realized how much he cared for the small child. He softened his voice and said warmly, "Want a ride?" He lowered himself, waiting Rob to ride on his back. "No thanks, I'm right as rain. I think she's the one who need a ride." He pointed at Nan who's standing beside him. "Me? No, I'm fine" Nan asserted. Dan felt himself anxious. He was embarrassed by the thought carrying Nan on the back. To be honest, he want to be nice to Nan, who seems to be exhausted. She was hardly seen tired. But instead, he shook his head. He found it hard to be nice at Nan compared to other younger ones. He knew himself was poor at letting out his feeling, but he didn't knew it was this bad. He checked at Nan's face whether she was upset or not. But she didn't seem to care. "Why? Why not? Why not carry her? Are you embarrassed?" Rob nudged him playfully. "No! It's not that" He find himself pinching the younger kid's arm. He was relieved Rob can't see his blushing face. "Oww, it hurts!" Rob exaggerated. Dan felt sorry for the kid. "I'm sorry I pinched you."  He said in a monotone. "I accept your apology." He said in a singing voice. By the time, they were passing the branch Nan had deposit previously. "We are almost there." Nan announced in a weak voice. She did not said a word while coming all the way to here. "What's up with her?" Rob complained. Just then, they heard their name being called. "Mama!" Rob rushed to where the sound was coming from. "Mama!" There were Mr. Bauer, Mrs. Bauer, Teddy, Jack, Tommy, Nat and the twins. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer ran to Dan, Nan, and Rob without noticing Teddy fell down on the grass. There was a loud weeping of Teddy all the way they arrived home. Rob started to tell a story how he survived in the woods. Everyone listened enthusiastically although it was over midnight.

Everyone except Nan, that is. Dan caught her going up the stairs in her night gown. He tried to say something nice, but the words didn't came out. Nan opened her door-the one she shares with Daisy. 'Thud!' The door closed. Dan went straight to his room, too.

But he couldn't get any sleep. He found himself can't stop thinking about the girl. She doesn't leave his mind. Dan rolled over, groaning.

Just then, Tommy opened the door noisily, followed by Jack and Demi. "Hey there Dan," They tried to tickle Dan. "What? Leave me alone!" Unlike usual Dan, he didn't feel like playing with the younger kids. "Ooh, calm down, man~ What's wrong with you today?" They said, playfully. Dan spring out of bad. "Quit it! I'm trying to sleep!" He glared at other kids, holding his pillow over his head. "Ooh, scary~" The boys squeaked. Dan flopped down in his bed, turning the lights off. He haven't got any sleep for hours that night. 

                                                                                                                                              Written by. YENI