018: Lost Children

[cetraflowergirl]

[Aerith is slightly horrified to find so many children running around that look like younger versions of people that she's seen around town]

Does anyone know what's going on, and please tell me someone's taken to looking after the children. Somehow I have a feeling that the adults left over aren't the most paternal types...

Comments

[tickingshadows]

Somebody knows what's going on?

And what's a...a 'pa-ter-nal'?

[cetraflowergirl]

I don't know sweetie, I'm trying to find out.

Paternal is what they call the feelings and instincts a parent has for their children.

What's your name? I'm Aerith.

[tickingshadows]

Ohhh okay.

So THAT'S what it's called...

Nice to meet you, miss Aerith! I'm Haseo.

[cetraflowergirl]

[smiles] Most of the time they just call it love, though.

Nice to meet you Haseo. Are you lost?

[cetraflowergirl]

It has? Oh dear. Well, if you need a break, I'd be happy to help. I've taken care of children before, and they seem to like me.

[cetraflowergirl]

That makes things easier then. At least they're with someone they know.

Hmmm, it seems that these changes usually last only a few days or a week at most. That's good to know...

I'm Aerith, by the way.

[2yoraedragon]

I have no idea how to take care of children... it's not like I ever was one.

[cetraflowergirl]

It takes some learning, but some people are lucky enough to be naturals at it. Best thing to do is try and talk to them like an adult, but try not to raise your voice. A lot of them are scared or nervous about strangers right now, so just try to sound calm and reassuring when you speak to them.

Or, when in doubt, call for help from one of the other adults, we're all trying to figure out what to do right now.

[2yoraedragon]

Okay. That sounds kind of like how I had to do things at the Faerie Village. It... can't be that hard, can it?

[cetraflowergirl]

We won't know until we try. I have a feeling it's going to be a learning experience for all of us.

[ihasdarkside]

Nobody is looking after me, but I can take care of myself. I think.

If my mom was here, she would look after everyone! But... I don't know where she is. I miss her.

[cetraflowergirl]

Well, if you need anything, we'll be happy to help. Even if you can look after yourself, knowing your limits and asking for help when you need it is something even adults need to do.

[Looks around] I'll tell you a secret, sometimes I miss my mother too.

[ihasdarkside]

I know. My mom always says the biggest problem in the universe is no one helps each other.

Is she at home waiting for you too?

[cetraflowergirl]

Your mother is a very wise woman.

My adopted mother is. My real mother is with the planet now.

[hopeful_hero]

I know what you mean...Zack and Tifa were little kids. I have them with me, though...but I don't know what to do for the rest of the kids...

[cetraflowergirl]

We'll figure something out, Cloud. Don't worry. You can stop by any time you like.

[hopeful_hero]

No, that's not even an option.

[cetraflowergirl]

What do you mean?