May 24th, 3030
Itus stirred in his bed, the sound of Cliff's final knock echoing through the door. Breakfast time, he thought, a mix of emotions swirling in his chest. With a heavy sigh, he dragged himself out of bed and changed into fresh clothes.
This is it, Itus thought, his heart heavy. My last morning here. How did the time pass so quickly? He ran his hand along the worn wooden dresser, committing its texture to memory.
The kitchen greeted him with familiar warmth—Cliff and Anise were already seated at the table, and their meal was underway. Itus slid into the empty chair, the scrape of wood against the floor seeming unnaturally loud in the quiet room. He helped himself to the spread before them, the domestic scene a stark contrast to the journey that lay ahead.
"Good morning!" Itus said, trying to inject some cheer into his voice.
"Good morning," Anise and Cliff replied in unison, their tones warm but tinged with an undercurrent of sadness that mirrored Itus's own feelings.
Anise's eyes met his, concern evident in her gaze. "How are you feeling?"
Itus paused, weighing his words. How am I feeling? Scared, grateful, sad, excited... all at once. How do I even begin to express that? "I'm okay," he said, though the statement rang hollow even to his own ears.
"Yeah?" Anise pressed gently.
Itus took a deep breath. "Yeah. I mean, if I'm being honest, I kind of don't want to leave." He let out a quiet, awkward laugh, and Cliff responded with a loud snort that somehow made Itus feel both embarrassed and comforted.
"I've enjoyed my time here," Itus continued, his voice softening, "but I know it's time for me to move on." The words tasted bittersweet, a truth he both accepted and resisted. I have to find my own path, don't I? As much as I want to stay, I can't hide here forever.
Anise's voice was warm and reassuring as she said, "Well, you are always welcome back anytime."
The rest of the meal passed in a blur of small talk and stolen glances. Itus found himself committing every detail to memory—the worn grain of the wooden table, the way sunlight filtered through the curtains, Cliff's weather-worn hands as he buttered his toast, and Anise's gentle smile.
When they finished eating, Anise began to clean up, and Itus instinctively moved to help. But before he could, Cliff's calloused hand closed around his arm, guiding him towards Anise's office.
This is it, Itus thought, his heart racing as they entered the room. His eyes immediately fell on a green travel backpack sitting on the table, bulging with supplies. Cliff moved towards it, unzipping it to reveal its contents.
"I told Anise you only needed the essentials, but she insisted," Cliff explained, his gruff voice betraying a hint of fondness.
Itus peered into the bag, overwhelmed by the sight of clothes, a coat, non-perishable foods, a first aid kit, blankets, a hammock, a flashlight, and a multi-tool knife. His throat tightened with emotion. "I can't take this," he protested weakly. "It's too much."
Cliff's response was firm but kind. "Please, this is nothing. These things have been sitting in our house for years, and it's not doing anyone good sitting here."
"I wish we could give you more," Anise's voice came from behind them. Itus turned to see her standing in the doorway, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She moved to stand beside him, her hand a comforting weight on his shoulder.
"I could have sworn that we had hunting gear, but everything I found we use for the farm," she explained. "This is the best we have that we could find, plus a little extra to help you stay safe and warm."
Itus felt his own eyes growing moist. "This is more than enough. Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome," Anise replied, pulling him into a tight hug. As she held him close, she whispered in his ear, "I also put the healing handbook in the bottom of the bag."
Itus pulled back slightly; surprise etched on his face. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "I barely know how to use it." The healing handbook? But that's so valuable... and she's entrusting it to me?
Anise's smile was warm and encouraging. "Of course. And you can figure it out. It might take you some time, but those healings are basic enough for you to learn."
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Itus pulled Anise back into the hug. "Thank you," he whispered, pouring all his appreciation into those two simple words.
As Anise left the room, Itus turned back to Cliff, who held out the now-zipped backpack. Itus slipped it on, adjusting the straps.
"It feel alright?" Cliff asked his usual gruffness softened by concern.
"Yeah, it's great," Itus replied, surprised by how right it felt on his shoulders.
They walked side by side through the hallway, a comfortable silence between them. At the front door, Cliff opened it for Itus, following him outside. They stood facing each other, the weight of the moment hanging in the air.
Itus broke the silence, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for everything. You didn't have to do any of this..." He paused, struggling to find the right words. "But you did and—"
"No reason for you to get soft on me, kid," Cliff interrupted, warmth in his eyes.
Itus couldn't help but laugh. "I was trying to have a moment with you."
Cliff's response surprised him. "Yeah, but you say things like that to people you won't see again. But I know this isn't goodbye."
Itus smiled, touched by Cliff's certainty. Before he could speak again, Cliff reached into his pocket and pressed some money into Itus's hand.
"That's only 30 Atlas," Cliff explained, "but it should be enough to get you to the next town."
Turning towards the road, Cliff pointed and continued, "If you follow the road, you will be fine. It should only take a day or two to get there by foot. There might be a few things along the road, but don't be surprised if you don't see anything or anyone on your journey."
Itus pocketed the money, his heart full. "Thank you," he said simply.
"You're welcome," Cliff replied. "Have a safe trip."
Itus took one last look at Cliff before turning away, ready to start his journey. Suddenly, he felt Cliff's hand on his arm. Confused, he turned back only to be pulled into a tight embrace. The gesture, so reminiscent of his father's grip during their argument, startled Itus. But where that memory brought pain, this embrace filled him with warmth and belonging. After a moment of shock, Itus returned the hug, savoring this final moment of connection.
As they separated, Itus felt a lump forming in his throat. He watched as Cliff turned back towards the house, and with a deep breath, Itus started down the road. At the edge of the property, he turned back one last time. Cliff stood in the doorway, and they exchanged a final wave before Cliff disappeared inside, the door closing behind him.
Itus stared at the closed door for a moment, his mind a whirl of emotions. Gratitude, sadness, excitement, and fear all battled for dominance. With a deep breath, he turned back to the road stretching out before him. This is it, he thought. With one foot in front of the other, Itus began walking, carrying with him not just supplies but the love and support he'd found in Cliff and Anise.
As he walked, Itus couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. The unknown both thrilled and terrified him. But with each step, he felt a growing sense of determination. And someday, he promised himself, he would return to thank Cliff and Anise properly for everything they had done for him.
The road stretched out before him, full of possibility. And with that thought, Itus squared his shoulders and walked on, ready to embrace whatever adventure lay ahead.
