Oh! The much tighter hug followed by those words was all she needed to hear. He failed. There was no reason for the man in her arms to continue speaking. Camilla knew instantly what he was talking about. His dad. This was not good.

"You didn't fail him. You did all that you could do. You were there for him," she whispered quietly. Over the last year of so she had seen all that River had done for his dad in hopes of helping him. Sometimes it didn't matter how hard you tried or all the things you did, things always ended up how they were supposed to. Cami leaned her head back to look at him sighing softly when she caught sight of him wiping at his face. Silently her heart broke for him just as it had the year before for Kaysha and the previous year for Emme.

"Don't worry about that. This was beyond your control. We'll have other days." They could have another date anytime.

River took a small step back, his head still hung in embarrassment, and wiped his eyes with his sleeve. Things were going so well, even his dad seemed stronger the past few days only to give up in a matter of minutes. Questions swam in his head, and remained quiet for a few seconds before reaching out to hold Cami's hands.

"I already miss him. I feel like a child again...and I feel so lost." He was close to his parents, being the youngest Reed offspring. "That man dreamed on my behalf...and he won't be there when I fulfil those dreams." he said with a sigh, looked around trying his best not to make eye-contact with his girlfriend. "It's sad and upsetting." And it made him question his life and how he has been living it.

River looked at his hands, holding Cami's and took a deep breath. "Will you come to the funeral with me?" It was anti-climatic, and very far from being romantic. But then again, tragedies had to happen...and he was hoping that it'll be a long while before the next one comes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefan

River took a small step back, his head still hung in embarrassment, and wiped his eyes with his sleeve. Things were going so well, even his dad seemed stronger the past few days only to give up in a matter of minutes. Questions swam in his head, and remained quiet for a few seconds before reaching out to hold Cami's hands.

"I already miss him. I feel like a child again...and I feel so lost." He was close to his parents, being the youngest Reed offspring. "That man dreamed on my behalf...and he won't be there when I fulfil those dreams." he said with a sigh, looked around trying his best not to make eye-contact with his girlfriend. "It's sad and upsetting." And it made him question his life and how he has been living it.

River looked at his hands, holding Cami's and took a deep breath. "Will you come to the funeral with me?" It was anti-climatic, and very far from being romantic. But then again, tragedies had to happen...and he was hoping that it'll be a long while before the next one comes.

Camilla held both of his hands in her own, thumbs lightly brushing small circles on his skin. Whether the action was meant to comfort him or herself was unknown.

With every word that he spoke she could feel her heart aching more and more for him. Seeing him this way wasn't anything she was at all used to but that was what relationships were all about. Getting to know someone, getting to see them at their strongest points in life and their weakest. Being with them through every aspect of it all. "What you're feeling it normal, River, you know that." Being a Healer and dealing with all different things daily surely didn't make it any easier for him. "He might not be here at your side as you accomplish each goal but he's watching. He's proud of you no matter what you do." Sadly she hadn't had much time to really get to know his father or talk to the man but the little time that she had gotten had been nice.

Without hesitation she nodded once, her fingers tightening ever so slightly around River's. "Of course I will." He didn't even need to ask that of her. She would be there right at his side the entire time.

Cami's touch sent waves of comfort to the man, as he slowly breathed in and out, willing himself to calm down and get his bearings once more. He had been crying all morning, and he was sure he will be more miserable in the days to come. What made him cling on to hope was Cami. She was there, and she was all he will ever need.

River nodded, his eyes still downcast and defeated. "I know...my father isn't the first patient to die in my care. Somehow it doesn't get any easier as I get older in my profession. Maybe I forgot how to be just...me, without my title." And with that, he thought a nice long vacation was in order. Cami's next words made his heart twitch in pain. Faith isn't his strongest point, and he wasn't sure if his father will be there watching. River thought his old man would rather forget it all and live the afterlife in bliss. "I...need to sit down," he said pulling Cami along towards a shop where the shopkeeper kept a bench for passersby to sit and relax.

River sighed as he sat, thinking...and perhaps overthinking his next plans in life. Now that his father's gone...what's next? The Healer slumped forward and rested his head in his hands all weary. He looked like his eight-year-old self losing his first championship title game in wizarding chess. "I'm so tired, Cami. So tired..." The man felt bad dragging his girlfriend into this, but at the same time grateful for her patience. He wouldn't mind if Cami decided to go ahead with the day without him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefan

Cami's touch sent waves of comfort to the man, as he slowly breathed in and out, willing himself to calm down and get his bearings once more. He had been crying all morning, and he was sure he will be more miserable in the days to come. What made him cling on to hope was Cami. She was there, and she was all he will ever need.

River nodded, his eyes still downcast and defeated. "I know...my father isn't the first patient to die in my care. Somehow it doesn't get any easier as I get older in my profession. Maybe I forgot how to be just...me, without my title." And with that, he thought a nice long vacation was in order. Cami's next words made his heart twitch in pain. Faith isn't his strongest point, and he wasn't sure if his father will be there watching. River thought his old man would rather forget it all and live the afterlife in bliss. "I...need to sit down," he said pulling Cami along towards a shop where the shopkeeper kept a bench for passersby to sit and relax.

River sighed as he sat, thinking...and perhaps overthinking his next plans in life. Now that his father's gone...what's next? The Healer slumped forward and rested his head in his hands all weary. He looked like his eight-year-old self losing his first championship title game in wizarding chess. "I'm so tired, Cami. So tired..." The man felt bad dragging his girlfriend into this, but at the same time grateful for her patience. He wouldn't mind if Cami decided to go ahead with the day without him.

Cami listened for a moment her own thoughts of previous losses overcoming her for a fleeting second before she shoved it aside. Now wasn't the time to focus on herself or things long past. Right her standing before her was a man that had been there for her time and time again, now it was time to be there for him.

"Well you have been a healer a long time, River. Caring for tons of people of all ages isn't an easy task. Maybe a small break is in order? Take a few days or even just a weekend to clear your head." It what she always did. Then again she had been the one to travel constantly up until just a few short years ago. "Alright," she agreed without any hesitation. Cami allowed herself to be pulled towards a bench that was outside one of the shops.

Sitting herself down on the bench beside him. Never before had she seen River look so defeated. "Once things are settled here, you should take time for yourself." Like she had mentioned a few moments ago. It couldn't hurt. She slid her arm around him in comfort. Right now she wouldn't be going anywhere.

Perhaps that's the thing. Maybe a good, long vacation should be done for his sake...and the sanity of the people around him. River was not the type of person to cause worry. He'd been perfectly fine all his life, except for this one. All things considered, it was his first taste of losing someone in the family, and he wasn't taking it as gracefully as he wanted to. He thought that spending that much time with his old man would make his passing easier on him, but that totally backfired. River was left thinking about the things that he could've done to prolong his father's life. The painful realization that he was indeed limited had left a very bitter taste in his mouth.

Still with his head hung, River felt Cami's warmth again, bringing him back to the present. The Healer reached out to touch her arm, sending his own warmth to reassure her that he will be fine. He just needed a longer timeout this time. "You're right about taking a break...and I was thinking of a really long one. I...just need some time alone," he said, not looking at Cami, for he was afraid of her reaction. "I would love to bring you along but...I think I should go solo this time. Sort things out for myself and figure out my next steps," he said quietly with his eyes closed, containing the brewing headache that was slowly forming in his frontal lobe.

There was no doubt in her mind that the silence between them that lasted but a moment was due to River being consumed by his own thoughts. Loss was a terrible thing that affected everyone differently, this much she knew. She had experienced it herself the year prior with the passing of her uncle as well as many years before that with incidents she refused to allow herself to think of.

The touch of River's hand on her arm had her taking his hand into her own to hold. It seemed as if her suggestion of taking some time for himself was well met. However she didn't quite expect him to say it would be a 'really long one'. What exactly did that mean? How long? A week? Two weeks? A month? Camilla brushed her thumb against the back of his hand for several seconds before she spoke again. "Don't worry about me, alright? I'll still be here when you return." She wouldn't lie and say she didn't want to remain behind waiting for him rather than to go along and be there for him but she understand the need to do things on ones own. "Let me know what you decide when you figure things out?" Like for starters where he might be going and when he would be coming back.

River finally opened his eyes as he looked at his hand that was intertwined with Cami's, responding to her touch, by kissing the back of her hand. The gesture was a mixture of gratitude and apology. If only he could be in two places at once, he so would. "I can't believe I'm already hurting your feelings. And it's frustrating that I can't do anything about it." It was those moments where he can no longer comprehend what's in front of him, and it made him want to throw a fit and be irrationally angry at someone. "I know an apology will never be enough Cami...but I promise I will be a better person when I come back. For you...and for Emme." River wasn't in his good form to be articulate with his words, but it was a statement of comfort...a reassurance even that he was serious about their relationship, and he'd never drag his heavy emotions into what he and Cami have at the moment.

River took a deep breath, sat back on the bench and wrapped an arm around Cami, forcing her to lean against his chest. "How can I possibly not worry about you? After what has happened...I'm now afraid of losing people." the Healer will perhaps have more empathy for his dying patients and their family. No one...not even the wizarding kind can go through life without dying anyway. "I'll be spending time with the family, definitely...and perhaps within a week, I'll travel overseas...perhaps a return to Japan to accompany Jace after he graduates? Help him settle back in his home...see if I can be of assistance when he goes to University?" River took a pause and watched a few passersby going about their daily shopping. "He will hate me for it but...I just need to get certain things out of my mind. Be a proper uncle for once, and then perhaps slowly return to being a Healer." He'd been informed about new eastern discoveries and techniques in Healing, and he'd been planning to give it a try. But after establishing a relationship with Cami, he had to secretly put that on hold until a good opportunity arises. Perhaps, this was the perfect time to do just that.

The touch of River's lips to the back of her hand made her smile, even if it was just a little bit. She could see how hard he was trying to do right by her even as he was trying to help himself. The fact that he was worried about hurting her feelings touched her heart in a way that most things wouldn't. "River, I'll be alright. I promise you that. Right now you need to do what's best for you." What mattered here was him focusing on himself. Cami gave his hand a light squeeze. "You've always done right by us. The amount of help you've given us is more than I could have ever asked for so.. if you going away for awhile is how I can help you now, then that's how it has to be." There was no doubt that she would miss him but that's what a two-way mirror was for. It wouldn't be forever.

Cami shifted her weight to lean against his chest, her head leaning lightly against his. "I'll be here when you return." Nothing she could say directly would do very good. Her home was here as was Emme, she wasn't going anywhere. As he spoke though she slowly got the idea that maybe when he said he was considering a 'really long break' he had actually meant 'a really long break'. It wasn't even April yet and he was talking about accompanying Jace overseas when he graduated... that was more than two months away. It probably wasn't the best time to ask this but she needed to be sure. "How long are you thinking of being away?" Her voice was slightly softer, quieter as it had been.

It was difficult. The death of his father threw a good, solid wrench into his plans and he had to admit that he wasn't ready for it. He thought he was ready to let his old man go, but it was his fault that he turned a blind eye to the fact that he'd been bottling up emotions thinking that everything will be a tad easier once the day to say goodbye came. He was wrong. Very wrong in not acknowledging his misery and sadness. He forgot that he was the type of person who tended to overthink things until it didn't make sense. Sighing, he planted a kiss on Cami's forehead. "Thank you for the reminder. You are a strong woman...but I'm just scared of the possibility that you might not be there when I come back." River did trust Camilla, it's just that...they just started out their relationship, and it was too early to have this kind of trial before them. "My old man's right yet again," he started, resting his lips on her head, "I will never be ready for certain things. You just have to get on with it, no matter what." And he hated the fact that he had to resort to leaving home for a while to get a good restart.

The Healer kept his silence as he tightened his embrace, "I honestly don't know..." River leaned his head further back, and against the shop's wall behind them and closed his eyes. "I don't want to stay away for long because I know someone's waiting. Hopefully...I get my jumpstart real soon, real quickly." River paused and took in a deep breath. "I should let Emme know what's going on...and let her look after Roscoe and Bumi while she's at home and I'm away..." Nothing's set on stone yet, but just in case...he needed someone who will take care of his fur babies.

Camilla couldn't help but smile as she was kissed on the forehead. It was a sweet gesture. However her smile faded ever so slightly and was replaced with a small frown. "And where is it that you think I may go?" She gave him a very serious look. "If I haven't gone anywhere yet I'm not going anywhere now." Their relationship may only be in its beginning stages but she couldn't deny that there had been feelings between them long before this. That fact that he was honest scared about this upset her. "No ones every ready for such things but you're going to be alright. You're not alone."

His words while honest wasn't all that comforting even if his embrace was. Camilla took in a slow breath her gaze fixing on the ground in front of them. "Take as long as you need." She wouldn't do anything to keep him from doing what was best for him. "I'm sure she would like that." Though Emme wouldn't be home for a few more months.

He was getting to go to the Cafe on his own, Alejandro knew not to tell anyone when daddy let him do this kind of stuff, but he was so excited. He was going to his treat and daddy's sandwich and then back to the Prophet he went.

Stepping out on the street it was so busy and exciting. So many people were around now that it was summer. He was excited to see people and thought maybe if his cousins came to the Alley he could go and play with Morgan for awhile. Regina was off doing girl things with mom and even though he liked being at the prophet, he got bored easily.

Once he got his things from the Cafe Alejandro took off across the street again, but bumping into someone caused him to drop the money he had in his hand. So he stopped and placed the bag on the ground and started counting the coins to make sure he didn't lose any.

She was being extra super sneaky today. Korpsit was busy but her Mummy had gotten tired of the incessant whining and had given her permission to get a new friend. It was bound to happen. With a new friend, she'd be busy for at least a week or two before she needed to bother her mother again. It was a situation in which everyone won.

With this little bit of freedom, Noah made big steps on her way up to the alley. The fact there were a ton of people didn't bother her as the soon to be 7 year old had already learned that people seldom paid attention to children playing around the alley during summer when children were literally EVERYWHERE. It didn't mean she'd be sloppy but it did mean she didn't have to worry as much.

Just pass the steps up to the alley, Noah turned but found herself being slammed into by a boy that could've been around her age.

It stunned the little girl and left her standing and staring even after he bent over to try picking everything up. The average person may have tried being helpful, helping him to collect his coins but Noah simply stood there blinking down at him. "That's a lot of coins. You wanna go spend them somewhere cool with me?"

Kimi couldnt believe that he had missed nearly the whole term again and was lucky that he managed to do his OWLs at home and owl them to the school so he could stay on his illness had taken a set back but now that he was again better he was determined that he was not going to miss anymore time from school because of being ill

Just as he finished counting he noticed some feet. Had he been that into his money that he forgot this was a crowded area today? Alejandro looked up to see a girl standing there. He blushed a little before standing up and leaving his bag forgotten.

"Oh, well yeah it's my dad's. He asked me to run to the cafe for him." Glancing at the Daily Prophet and back at the girl, 'What sort of things? I'm not supposed to be going anywhere but the Cafe and back him, but maybe I could just go to another shop, if I bring him something back he might not mind." Though he still wasn't sure if he should go with the girl.

"Who are you?" Where had she even come from, he wasn't sure he had seen her before, but there were many people he hadn't seen before.

Rylee made her way down the street passed a few shops (she had already been inside them), her hands in her pockets. She was humming an upbeat song to herself. There was a brief pause not only in her step but in her humming as well when she noticed someone just up ahead that she was sure she knew from Hogwarts. Slowly she began walking once more bringing herself closer to the older boy, a smile already on her face. It wasn't long before she realized it was the boy that had helped to cheer her up on the train ride at the start of last term.

"Kimi! Hi!" she called out waving at him. "How's your summer? Will you be coming back to Hogwarts?" She had heard he had left because he had been sick but that was all she knew about it. He looked like he was alright now though?

Kimi smiled and said "Hey Rylee my summer was pretty good thanks and yes i will be back at Hogwarts this term, How has your summer been Rylee" Kimi was glad that he was going back to school and he had been reassured that this would be the last time that he would ever miss a lot of school time due to his illness

Rylee smiled warmly at the older boy when he said he would be returning to school in September. "That's great! I bet you really missed being at Hogwarts, right? Were you able to keep up with all your school work?" She hoped so. If he hadn't been able to he was going to have so much to make up! When asked about HER summer her smile only grew wider. "It's great! I've been keeping super busy with lots of things!" Like getting even better at Quidditch, dancing, swimming, exploring and spending TONS of time with her family and friends.

Kimi smiled at Rylee and said "Yes thankfully i was able to keep up with my school work while i was at home recovering, if i hadnt been able to keep up with my school work i would have to have repeated my fifth year but thankfully i managed to keep up with my school work so im now in my sixth year" Kimi liked Rylee for asking about his ability to keep up with his school work while he was off sick she may have only been going into her second year but Rylee was somebody who Kimi thought was caring and he had helped her on the train during her first year

His dad? He had one of those? That was interesting, but not nearly interesting enough to distract her from her current preoccupation, getting him to come back with her. Noah looked to the Prophet when he did, before turning to look at the café. He sounded busy but that wasn't necessarily a deterrent.

"Lots of really cool things. Have you ever seen a hand in a jar? Or books that scream at you if you open them? We could play with baby house elves too!" Or they could go to her playroom. They were gonna go there ANYWAY but maybe her new friend wanted to see some cool things around the alley first. There were usually a lot to see.

"I'm Noah. We're friends now, okay?" And because they were friends, it was important that she know his name too. "Who're you?"

Rylee rocked back and forth on her heels while she listened to Kimi explain how he had been able to keep up with all his school work while he had been at home. That was incredibly lucky for him! In her opinion having to repeat a year would've been terrible! Well... maybe not for her because while she would be a year behind all of her friends she would be in the same year as her brother and they would finish school together. That actually sounded rather nice in a strange kind of way.

Rylee shook her own thoughts from her head and smiled. "That's great! Are you shopping for all the things you need for your sixth year then?"

Kimi smiled at Rylee and said "Yes i am shopping for my sixth year things and im glad that its not like last year it was stressful at home trying to sit all of my OWL exams but thankfully i passed them all" Kimi was glad that he was allowed to sit his exams it would have been painful to repeat his fifth year all over again

Alejandro wasn't sure what to do he did want to go with her but knew his mother and father would get so mad if he didn't listen. He knew the stories about what happened to his father right in this very area before he was born, but that was a long time ago and she was his age so there couldn't be anything bad that happened.

"Books that scream?" That sounded a bit scary and so did the hand, but baby house-elves, "You really know where to see baby house elves?" Now that would be so cool. Glancing back at the Prophet he made his decision, "Alright, but we will have to be quick I can't let my dad know I'm gone." He could just say the cafe was busy.

Oh and she was saying her name, "Hi Noah, I'm Alejandro De La Garaz."

She nodded in understanding. "I'm not really doing much shopping of my own. I got a lot of my things already. My brother is starting Hogwarts in September so it's his turn to get everything he needs." Rylee was incredibly excited to have Reese going to Hogwarts with her. They were going to have so much fun together, she already had a list of all the things she was going to show him. Next year was going to the best year ever!

"Are you ready for your sixth year? It's so close to being a seventh year... and that's your last year... are you getting nervous? Do you know what you want to do when you graduate?" Rylee couldn't help but ask all the questions now. She was rather curious about what her friend would be doing after he finished school even if it was still two whole years away.

Kimi looked at Rylee and said "That is good that your brother is going to be at Hogwarts and well i am as ready as i can be and yes i am actually getting nervous about my seventh year as i will have NEWTs then and i still need to decide on a career but my mum said i can work with her until i find myself something more permanent"