Page 44 of In Your Light

To be free.

Free to be himself.

And Fyn waited for Zaq like the forest waited for spring.

He wondered briefly what Hadeom was doing. Wondered if Hadeom thought of Fyn the way Fyn thought of him. Then he remembered how, on his way home, he could call past the hut and see Hadeom because Ciaran had told him he was free to do whatever he wanted. He didn’t need permission.

Fyn smiled at knowing he’d see Hadeom before the day was done. His stomach felt all jittery at the mere thought.

Then he wondered briefly if Zaq had forgotten or if Pax had forbidden Zaq from coming to see him.

He had to believe Pax wouldn’t do that. He couldn’t risk Zaq leaving too.

But then, as if the forest had been listening, leaves rustled on the far side of the line. Footsteps approached—careful, familiar.

Fyn straightened, the easy smile returning to his face.

“About time," he called, warmth already suffusing his voice before Zaq emerged from between the trees.

“I’m not late. You’re early,” Zaq said as he approached.

Fyn jumped down and gaze Zaq a hug. “I missed you already,” Fyn said.

“It’s been one night.”

“Shh.” Fyn pulled back, unable to keep his excitement at bay. “I have so much to tell you.”

“Where are you staying?”

“At the village,” Fyn replied. “Hadeom did offer for me to stay at the hut, but I dunno, that felt like too much, too soon. And anyway, they gave me a house! A cute little house on the edge of the forest. It’s in town, don’t get me wrong. It has a woodstove and a fire inside the house, Zaq. And there’s running water. I had a shower! It’s like a waterfall, but in the house. And they have a coffee machine! Like, a machine that pours out fresh coffee when you press a button. And they have a store where you can buy things like bread and tea. We don’t have to make the flour or dry the leaves.”

Zaq squinted at him. “A waterfall in the house? What the hell does that even mean?”

Fyn laughed. “You’ll have to come visit one day. They’re so nice. My house had been vacant a long time, so everyone came to help clean it up, and they had a dinner for me. Dylan brought me some fruit, and Kellan gave me some books.”

Zaq smiled and nodded slowly. “I’m happy for you.”

“Liar.”

He laughed. “Well, I was kinda hoping you’d hate it and come back, but...”

“One day, maybe.” Fyn shrugged. “Did Pax say anything?”

Zaq shook his head. “Nope.”

“Is he still mad?”

“Is he ever not mad?”

Fyn snorted. “Sorry to leave you with that.”

“Liar. You’re not sorry at all.”

Fyn laughed this time. “I am sorry. A little bit.”

Zaq’s eyes met his, and his demeanour changed as if he was nervous. “I, uh…. I might have news.”

“About? Is it good news or bad news?”