Boisterous laughter and joyous screeches were heard coming from the pastures, fond head shakes and serene smiles were on the faces of the houses' inhabitants because they knew their youth were enjoying their playtime with an admirable and loved person, Josiah. He could light a room so easily with just his presence, with a simple hello he captured everyone's attention.
Children worshipped him and he adored them, oftentimes understanding the plight of parents who had chores to do, he kept them busy at the same time tiring them out just enough so they eventually retired themselves to their nurseries for naptime.
In the distance children two to twelve were scattered as a lithe figure chased them happily, pace slowed tremendously to allow the little ones the belief that they were too fast to capture. If you were to wander closer you would see a plump lips stretched in a grin brighter than the sun across a beautiful, unblemished face, long luscious lashes encapsulating siren like eyes under perfectly plucked brows, nose cutely upturned. Josiah was a gorgeous outside as he was inside. Many would say he was the closest to a Saint as any.
"Dear children, I do believe it is time to hurry back to your parents."
The familiar voice got the children's attention and although some voiced their disappointment, in the end everyone surrounded him, older children and Josiah lifting toddlers who couldn't keep up, as they made the short journey back to their houses, voices raising as everyone wanted Josiah to hear.
"Children." Upon raising their heads to him they saw the finger he had against his lips and all voices reduced to respectable levels.
As each child was returned safely to their homes a hug was given along with the reminder to behave for their parents and the promise to see them all again tomorrow after classes were over. This was done until the last child was home and then Josiah made his way to his own home, fatigue slowly working through his body making it sluggish.
Small smile still gracing his face he politely greeted everyone he passed, making small talk with a few until he was loudly called by a voice he recognized as his closest friend, Raury.
"Zi, you look tired." A look of concern was seen in his features.
"I am tired but my heart is full and I will sleep well." As usual his smile widened just noticeably when he remembered his time with the children that afternoon.
"Well I'll walk with you home. Let's get something to eat."
"Alright."
Talking softly amongst themselves as they make their way towards the Cafe something unusual happened in their small town. A loud sound was heard followed by shouts and screams, all serenity disappearing leaving only panic.
"What's going on? I'm going to find out what's happening." With those words Raury sprinted off. All going through Josiah's head was where the chaos started, black smoke rising alerted him to the direction, an area he knew all too well, his home.