"I got the books you requested."
He said holding a bundle.
"Wow, really? Thanks! Your the best!!
He beamed eagerly taking the books from him.
"Oh, and here are the ones I was reading."
He picked up the stash he'd been reading and handed it back to him.
"Thanks a lot,"
He replied glancing at the covers.
"You know you're the only one who reads them."
"Really? I guess I just like reading,"
He shrugged feeling a tinge of pride.
*Back in my old world I used to enjoy reading books (web novels).*
"Really? I don't think so,You used to enjoy playing outside and causing mischief, you wouldn't read for a day. But ever since you woke up you've been asking me for books. What's going on, Taylor?"
His sudden question took him by surprise and he felt a real knot of tension form.
*Damnit, he's real for a ten year-old! Luckily for me I have a set of skills just for this.*
He calmed down, trying to keep his composure.
"Wait, so I I'm not allowed to read books because I'm stupid?"
The words slipped from his mouth before he could stop them, and he watched him startled.
"N-No! I didn't mean it like that!"
He rushed to clarify.
"So you're allowed to read books and I'm not?"
Taylor challenged his arms folding across his chest, he looked at his side.
"Uh, no! I didn't mea- I'm sorry!"
Liam stammered, looking flustered.
Feeling a bit smug, he leaned in closer, trying Hurd to hide his grin.
"So what do you mean, huh?"
"I'm sorry you can keep all these books for as long as you want."
Liam said hastily.
"We'll if you say so!"
*As expected winner takes all.*
"Uhm… oh, let's try out that slingshot."
Liam suggested finding a way out of the tunnel.
"Sure thing."
Moments later, Liam was shooting at the a flying flock seemingly excited.
While Taylor was basking at the warm wind in grossed at the context of the book.
Then Liam decided to break the atmosphere.
"Hey Taylor, can ask a question."
*What is it this time I thought I threw him off.*
"Why don't we go and play with the others? They really miss you?"
*Oh, so that was the question.*
He asked seemingly done with his thing and lounging at the shape of the apple shape tree.
Taylor looked up from the book he'd been checking out and sighed.
"Oh, that's simple. It's because because of my mom. She's been overly protective ever since I woke up."
Then turned to the book he was enjoying.
"Do you think I can convince her?"
Liam raised an eyebrow.
"Hmm, you can try but she'll likely say no."
He replied, his tone skeptical.
"We'll never know unless we try."
He countered determination creeping into his voice.
Without a response Liam ran towards the entrance of the house.
Garin and Lalia were engaged in a warm conversation, laughter floating through air like music.
Just then, Liam burst through the door.
"Oh hi Liam! Didn't you see Taylor outside."
Lilia greeted warmly.
"Good afternoon Mrs Lalia and Garin."
"What brings you here? Little fella!"
Garin added with a smile.
"Oh, I saw him. It's just…"
Liam hesitated, glancing back at Taylor peeking from the outside.
"Could me and Taylor play with the others at my home."
The words sent shivers down Lalia's spine.
"T-Taylor my Taylor…?"
She stammered, her protective instincts flaring.
"Yes?"
"Umm…"
Lalia began, her words barely forming as she struggled with her emotions.
Garin stepped closer, gently placing his hand on her shoulder, giving her a comforting squeeze. She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as she wrestled with her mixed feelings.
"It's fine, you can go."
She finally said, her voice soft but resolute.
"Really!"
Taylor said peeking through the doorway, his heart racing with excitement.
Without wasting a moment he rushed to hug her tightly.
"Thank you, thank you mother!"
She embraced him back, with a warm hug.
"Anytime, my little boy. But if you want to stay who am I to say n—"
Taylor barely registered that last question as he sprinted out of the yard with Liam.
"Heh!"
She let out in disbelief.
"You did good, he's all grown up now."
Garin said softly.
In response, she leaned her head on his shoulder her eyes fixated on the two, who were now sprinting towards the village.
"I know…"
She whispered with a mix of pride and worry as she watched the two sprint off.
Laughter echoed behind the two, Taylor felt excitement and freedom ready to embrace what lay ahead.