A mass of twinkling lights comes into view as I clamber up the grassy slope of a hill. I huff in annoyance, when loose rocks and pebbles beneath my sore feet threaten my balance. Gazing at the town, all I want is to sprint off into that paradise of civilisation but sadly my fatigued body doesn't agree with me. But it's best if I rein in my fantasies otherwise Mia's gonna throw a tantrum if I so much as jostle her a little.
"Aaa..ya?"
Oh shoot. She's awake. "Did you have a good sleep?" I ask, unwrapping her from the thick blankets. "Look we're gonna get a new home there. Are you excited?" I point out towards the town as I set her down on the slope. She looks at me, her eyes bright and her mouth slightly agape. I grin. That was exactly my reaction when I saw the town but it's funny to see it on her. "What? Cat got your tongue?" I tease. A small smile graces her mouth and I return it, screaming ' cutie!' internally. I put her down in her feet. She trembles a little since it's been a while since she actually stood on land but she remains erect still staring at the quaint colourful looking town. Suddenly she faces me and holds out her hands, palms up. "Do you still have some chocolate?" She asks me. It was a new delicacy we found ever since we escaped the massacre and travelled south. It looked dull at first ;ordinary, piled on glass covered carts but curiosity got the best of me and I had to go get some. The moment we popped it in our mouths, it's rich creamy taste got us instantly addicted. I stocked most of our food as chocolate. Mia insisted on only chocolate as a meal. She refused to even come near any other food item.
"You little ragamuffin! The first thing you want when I show you a glimpse of civilisation is chocolate.?!" I demand, "I'm afraid you're starting to love that more than me." I grumble. "You promised." She pouts sullenly.
"When exactly did that happen, huh?" I waggle my eyebrows to make a point. I can't believe I'm arguing with a child but that happens. There's a reason why they say 'distance makes the heart grow fonder'. "I was sick and you said you'd buy me chocolate if it made me better." She said, innocently. Unbelievable. That kid is way too smart for her age.
"I made no such promise." I insist, knowing full well I actually did but refusing to give in will be better. I don't want to spoil her just because I can't resist her charm.
"You did."
"I did not."
"You did!" She says, getting tearful. Panicking, I agree.
"Weren't you asleep?" I ask.
"No."
I throw my head back and groan. Two promises to keep now. One temporarily and one for eternity. "Okay, fine. I'll get you chocolate when we get to this mystery town. Our stocks down, you little monster all thanks to you. You're literally drinking that stuff. And you're walking the rest of the way otherwise I'll be watching you from the stars and you'll have no one to buy you chocolate." I state, thinking it should be better that I still assert a little of my authority. "Now let's go." Mia gets down when we reach the peak and skips ahead. I follow closely behind.
Giving in is not very healthy but I hoping that I will be able to help this bright little star to always feel loved and never have to want something. And that we can find a new life here in this town. Also I was famished and tired and ready to hit the sack. And I could only get a bed if I stopped fighting and forced my status of seniority on her. She can be a total spitfire when something doesn't goes her way. I know this because I've already experienced it and I have no plans to do that any time soon. Before long, we're standing at the outskirts of the town. "Ready?" I question. "Yes." She replies.