The next morning Evans woke up before the sun had fully risen. The moment his eyes opened his thoughts went straight to his father. He hurried to John's room. As he stepped inside, the first thing he saw was his mother, her hands trembling slightly as she changed his bandages. The sight made his heart tighten.
Not wanting to disturb her, Evans closed the door slowly behind him and walked toward the bed on quiet feet.
"Mom… I'm here," he whispered. "Can I help you with anything?"
"Ah— !"
Lisa flinched, her whole body jerking at the sudden voice.
"When did you get here?" she gasped, her eyes wide.
"Shh, Mom… don't be loud," Evans whispered, pointing toward John's still form.
"When did you get here?" she repeated, this time in a husked voice.
"Just now…"
Lisa placed a hand on her chest. "You scared me… I thought… " She shook her head and tried to smile. "Don't sneak up on me like that again."
"I just don't want to disturb you… or Dad," he said innocently.
Lisa let out a weak sigh—one filled with exhaustion.
"I'm changing your father's bandages," she said quietly. "So please… don't get in the way right now."
"I want to help… " Evans said, his voice small but sincere.
"You're too little for this kind of work."
"I'm not little anymore!" he protested, his eyes stinging with frustration.
Lisa softened, her gaze turning sad. "Yes… you've grown… but this is different. If you make even the smallest mistake, your father's wound might get worse. You don't want that to happen… do you?"
Evans froze, even though he didn't want to admit it, he knew she was right. His shoulders dropped, and he stared at the floor in silence.
Seeing his expression, Lisa voice softened even further.
"Evans… you can still help me. Could you bring some fresh water from the spring? I really need it."
Her smile wavered, but it was full of trust. "I know you can do that, right."
Evans straightened himself quickly and puffed out his little chest. "Yes! I can do that! I'll bring it right now!"
Without another word, he grabbed a bucket and ran outside, his small footsteps full of determination.
Evans stepped outside, the cool morning air brushing against his cheeks. The sun had barely risen, casting a pale light over the quiet outskirts of Velmore. The fields nearby were still covered in a thin layer of mist, and the distant trees stood silently, their leaves barely rustling in the gentle breeze.
Everything around him felt quieter than usual, as if the whole world was holding its breath.
As sunlight spread across the land, birds began to stir in the distance, their calls echoing faintly across the quiet fields.
Evans walked the narrow path that wound through a patch of tall grass, the bucket knocking softly against his leg with each step.
After walking for a while, a faint echo of flowing water reached him, and upon hearing it, he quickened his pace and rushed towards it.
The spring rested quietly in the shade of tall trees. Crystal-clear water bubbled from its centre, creating soft rings that spread outwards in calm waves. Sunlight filtered through the branches, making the surface shimmer like polished glass. Tiny white flowers dotted the grass around it, swaying gently with the wind.
The sight was breathtaking, and every time Evans came here, it never failed to mesmerize him.
Evans knelt beside the spring, and dipped the bucket in the clear water, watching as it filled slowly, the ripples spreading across the surface.
For a moment, he simply stayed there, listening to the sound of the flowing water and the rustling of the leaves above. It was peaceful… far more peaceful than the heaviness waiting back home.
He tightened his grip on the bucket.
"I have to be strong," he muttered softly to himself.
With a small nod, Evans stood up and began walking back towards the house. The water sloshed lightly in the bucket with each step, but he held it steady, determined not to spill a single drop.
The mist had started to lift as the sunlight grew warmer, brushing his face with a gentle glow.
By the time Evans reached his house, the morning sun had risen a little higher, casting soft light across the wooden walls of the house. He pushed open the door carefully, as he stepped inside with the bucket held tightly in both hands.
Lisa looked up the moment she heard him.
"You're back," she said softly.
Evans set the bucket near the table, "I brought the water, Mom."
"Good," she replied, with a gentle nod. "You did well."
Evans felt warmth in his chest at her words. He stood beside her, watching as she prepared the water for John's care.
After cleaning the wounds, she applied the medicinal paste the doctor had provided and wrapped them in new bandages.
When she finished everything, she breathed a sigh of relief and glanced towards Evans.
"You must be hungry. You skipped your dinner last night, remember? Let's eat something."
Evans nodded quietly.
After making sure everything was alright, they walked into the small kitchen together.
Lisa quickly prepared a quick meal—a warm porridge and a few slices of bread, the best she could make right now. Evans sat down silently while glancing towards the room where John was resting, as if afraid something might happen.
Lisa placed a bowl in front of him. "Eat slowly," she said softly.
Evans took a bite, but his thoughts were far away.
"Mom…" he muttered after a moment, "when will Dad wake up?"
Lisa paused, her spoon stopping midway. She forced a smile.
"Soon," she whispered. "We just have to believe in him."
Evans lowered his gaze but nodded.
Lisa gave him a small, encouraging smile.
"Don't talk now, just finish your breakfast."
"You need to visit the doctor afterwards, you remember, right," she reminded him.
"Oh… right, the doctor. I totally forgot."
Evans hurriedly finished the last spoonfuls of porridge, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
Lisa gave him a small, tired smile.
"Then go quickly, don't keep him waiting."
Evans nodded and stood up from the table. He grabbed the bag his mother had prepared, and his small wooden sword—something he carried everywhere, and slung it at his side.
"Mom, I'll be back soon," he said.
"Be careful on the way," Lisa replied.
Evans stepped outside, closing the door gently behind him. The cool air touched his cheeks as he started down the narrow path towards the town. The dirt road was still quiet, making the path feel empty around him.