Joy and happiness, at least this once, after so much time. Though the memory of his parents was leaning a lot on his mind, even in this moment of pure bliss with the love of his life. This being the first birthday without his parents was weird, as he didn’t imagine that he’d lose them this early in his life. The giant had returned with the cake for Hippos, and urged the two children to eat it fast. That weird feeling from that morning hadn’t left Hippos, the giant seemed more serious than before. In all the sweetness of the cake and of the moment, there was bitterness showing now on both their faces, something that made her burst in laughter, as the two became similar. Yet neither seemed to have caught onto that.

Once they finished the cake, the giant looked at them with a forced smile and told them what was about to happen. War is coming, young boy. The Romans will come. It’s inevitable. They know what we had done. They’ll come in thousands, and many will die. Rome was at peace for so long, now we provoked them, they’ll come with bloodlust. They’ll have no mercy, they’ll have no qualms about slaughtering us all. We all might die, me, her, your friends from school, my friends, everyone you ever knew here might die. The boy started trembling with anticipation and anger at the thought of fighting the . But the giant continued… Look at me, Hippos. There’s a reason she’s here. She, together with her mother, some elderly and some friends of yours are leaving, going north. And I want you to go with them. The boy was shocked, he had trained months upon months with the giant and his friends for what? Nothing? Fury coursed through his veins, as he clenched his fists, frowned and became red at the face. Hippos couldn’t believe what the giant was suggesting, leaving him to die. He knew this would happen, which is why he trusted her to calm him down.

She had tried and tried, and finally succeeded after a little while. And the giant continued… Listen carefully Hippos. You have to leave, there’s no place for you on that battlefield, there’s nothing you can do to help us. If anything, you’ll just hinder us. And none of us would be able to fight properly, if we have to keep watch after you and try to protect you, we won’t be able to do battle. And these are some of the most wicked clever and strong men. The child was boiling with anger. You have to understand this, Hippos. You are no hero, there isn’t much you can do. This isn’t your story, this isn’t your purpose. To needlessly die so young. You’ve lost enough already, haven’t you? Go with her, be in love, have adventures, and stay safe. I won’t be able to protect you.

But…

Consider donating: https://www.paypal.me/RaulFO