CONTENT WARNING: mentions of parental loss, mention of death
This is a short story written for a forum challenge. 2000 words or less, themed on flowers in some way, for March 2025. A little background for the story: Oskar is a vampire, and at this point has only been one for a few months. Ilse is a little girl he found alone during a Winterfest market and celebration, who he has been looking after since finding out about the death of her parents of illness that winter.
Oskar
Children are far easier to communicate with than adults are. They say what they mean, and they do not make you read between the lines of their words. That said, my time with Ilse has had its ups and downs.
I am being patient with her and trying to find ways to cheer her up a little. Now that winter is over and the spring warmth is settling in, I take her to one of my favourite places in Windenburg - the bluffs. I always enjoy being here. It's a welcome break from noisy towns and people all over the place. Sometimes, you can find paintings made on the walls - some more artistic than others.
"Well? What do you think? Isn't it relaxing?"
"It's okay."
Ilse has started to settle down around me, though she's still fearful.
"Why don't you go and explore a little?"
Ilse rubs her hands together and won't look at me.
"I'm...I'm scared."
"There's nothing to fear out here, Ilse. No people, no noise. Just stay far from the cliff edges and you'll be just fine. I'm right behind you - okay?"
She glances forward. She takes a gingerly step towards the bluffs before taking off into a sprint. I nearly trip and fall into her trying to run after her!
She sits at the edge of the old ruins, bawling into her knees. I've never had to console anyone before. I don't know if that's anything I'm any good at. I suppose I'm about to find out. I put a hand on her shoulder and try to speak softly to her.
"Whatever is the matter, my dear?"
"I'm sorry, Herr Nivelheim," she says, through blubbering. "I'm still very upset about Mother and Father."
"You've never to apologise for that, Ilse. It...takes time to heal from such things."
Knowing I survived when I shouldn't have done leaves me with a sense of survivor's guilt I don't think I'll ever be able to shift. Despite the horrors of the past few months, the reality is that I am one of the lucky ones.
"I-I don't have to worry about you dying. I like that."
"Oh? And - and why is that?"
"Because you're a vampire."
Goodness! Is it more obvious than I thought?
"I don't want you to be afraid of me, Ilse. I promise, I only want to try and help you."
"I'm not scared," she replies, with a defiant tone. "You're very nice for a vampire."
She throws her arms around me. At first, I have to fight the urge to try and get her off, but I let her continue. All I want is this little girl to be happy and safe.
"You're very cold, Herr Nivelheim-"
"Please, Oskar is fine."
"You're very cold, Oskar - but I don't mind."
I wish I was half as brave as her when I was a child - but at the same time, I wish no child should have to be so brave as little Ilse. Children losing their parents was nothing uncommon, but no less unfortunate and upsetting. It was only last year that I lost my own.
"What makes you happy when you're sad, Herr - I mean, Oskar?"
I suppose I've never thought about it. I'm not usually the solemn type. I take a look around and see if I can think of something on the spot. Just ahead is a beautiful patch of lilies. They aren't a maudlin white - they're a lovely spring yellow.
"What about those lilies?"
"But lilies are death flowers."
"Well, the white ones, yes, but look at those- they're bright yellow. Don't they make you think of spring? Warm weather, flowers blooming..."
"Oh. I see."
I look through the lilies to find the brightest and prettiest one and carefully pick it from the grass for her.
I slide it just behind her ear.
"There. Now you have a spring lily all of your own."
"Does it suit me, Oskar?"
"It does! It's perfect."
This is the first time I've ever seen the little girl smile. Her smile is brighter than any spring flower.
"But - what about when it wilts?"
"Then we will come back, and if there's enough flowers, we'll pick you another one."
She lifts her arms for a hug and I pick her up and hold her to my chest. She puts her hands around my shoulders. I haven't been feeling as emotional as of late, but the warmth of protective instinct is unmistakable in my chest.
"Well... if you insist."