Morning is weird on a cruise ship. The motion is something you aren’t really aware of on a conscious level, much like the motion of the earth itself. It just is, and you know it is.

  The sun comes through the round porthole as a miniaturized version of itself.

  It landed directly on Aster’s face and she yawned wide, trying to take a bite of the light, swallow down some rays, wondering if it should taste like a warm lemon and impart the energy of lightning.

  She rolled over on her side to get away from it. A cup of coffee would just have to do.

  It was blissful to think she was comfortably safe and alone. For as long as that lasted until the loud snoring reminded her of her roommate. Damn those boys next door anyway. Couldn’t Prin just eat her and be done with it?

  Aster got up, to get away from the snoring. On her way to the bathroom she saw the culprit sprawled out across her own bed indulging in the carefree sleep of a child. Her short hair was sticking up every which way as well as her limbs.

  Aster could have sworn the woman was not this out of control before, but maybe leaving the island was really affecting her after all. As wild as someone away from home and oppressive parents for the first time. But she knew that wasn’t it, in this case.

  Aster went into the tiny bathroom and washed her face and hands, brushed her teeth, and unbraided her thick red hair. She thought she felt the flutter of wings like whisper soft scraps of paper beneath her fingers. “Sorry.” She said. “What do you think, Ruby? Should we show her more kindness than she deserves? Or just toss her overboard.” Aster snorted. “A joke, a joke. Let’s not do anything we could get in trouble for.” As usual, she wasn’t totally sure if the little fairy was actually with her or if she was just talking to herself.

  It seemed to go off on its own mysterious errands and reappear again just as suddenly.

  Aster rolled and twister her hair into a long tail and coiled it around her head like a crown, sticking pins in here and there to hold the ‘do in place. She figured if the fairy was still there at the moment, it had learned enough by now to get out of the way when the pins and ribbons appeared.

  She went back into the bedroom and looked through her (very) limited clothing options. It was hard not to mourn those frivolities she had lost in the fire, those multi layered, colorful creations, sewn together in early morning darkness, made with the creativity of one who has to use what is shared by others or purchased for pocket change to make beauty. Pieces of her soul waved before the misunderstanding public like the flags of countries so remote no foreigners had ever seen them.

  Aster sighed. There was no point in waxing poetic. What kind of upscale outfit could she put together that would at least somewhat fit in with Cora, who she hoped to see again later. A Sakura pink skirt, with the tan traveling blouse and pink laced brown boots. It was giving jungle safari, but it would have to do. She added a pink ribbon to her straw sun hat as a finishing touch.

  She began to create a new masterpiece in her head as she got dressed. Something teal, with frothy white and pale blue silken layers, trimmed in a dark brown like expensive heavily varnished wood. What if the criss crossed ribbons on the bodice were hung with pearls? Would it be possible to unlace it again to take it off without removing each pearl? One had to think of practicalities. Could there be a trident in her hair? Holding a lose bun in place?

  Thus occupied, Aster slipped quietly out the door of the cabin, locking it behind herself as she closed it.

  Elwin was standing there waiting for her, just as though he had been there all along since they had parted ways the night before.

  Aster gave him a sheepish grin. “Well, hello you!” She forced some cheer into her voice.

  “I was just about to knock.” Elwin said, taking half a step back as though surprised she had come out so suddenly. “How are you?”

  Aster stood on her tippy toes and still had to hop a little to tussle Elwin’s hair. “I survived the night.” She made a face. “She snores.”

  Elwin grimaced. “I’m sorry.”

  Aster looped her arm through his strong one. It was comfortable, like despite their size difference their arms fit together just right. Aster wondered what else on them would fit together, but shook her head quickly to dispel the thought. “It’s okay.” She looked exaggeratedly around Elwin. “Where’s Prinny anyway?”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  “Not feeling to well.” Elwin said. “But he’s hanging in there.” He lowered his voice to barely above a whisper. Not realizing how it made what he was saying seem even more suspicious to passer byes, bless him. “I haven’t found anyone yet.”

  Aster paused for effect. “I imagine not. I’m not sure you have it in you.”

  “Oh yes I do.” Elwin said firmly. “Don’t worry.”

  Aster found this more alarming than reassuring. She was also somewhat glad that Prin was not with him, as much as she barely wanted to admit it even to herself. This was her bunny after all, even if the bunny had sharp teeth and a monstrous appetite.

  “Nevermind it for now.” Elwin said. “He’s sleeping.” He guided Aster down the hall. “I found out how to get to the doctor’s office. I’m sure they will know more then I do, even if they usually just deal with food poisoning and elderly people who got to much sun.”

  “Hmm, if you say so.” Aster would go along, to humor him. Although she knew in her heart they would not be as gentle and competent as Elwin was. Maybe they would have more medications though? So at least there was that.

  “I miss him. Anytime he’s not around.” Aster said suddenly. And this was also true.

  The boy, man really, she supposed, had such a sweet-faced charisma that Aster, generally well and truly armored against various forms of charm, had been effortlessly sucked in. She cracked a playful smile. “The two of you go together like butter and jam.”

  Elwin allowed the cloud to lift from his features. “We do. And always have.”

  “Is it going to be up to us now?” Aster mumbled under her breath.

  “Hmm?” Elwin asked.

  Aster was unwilling to elaborate, even to herself. “Just talking to myself.”

  “Anyway, are you hoping I’ll forget what I’m here for?” Elwin stretched out his finger to give her a playful poke, redirecting it carefully midair to the noninjured arm.

  Aster put her hands on her hips. “I was hoping!”

  “I’m not a real doctor.” Elwin reminded once again, his brows knitting together in concern. “It will make me feel better, at least, to consult one.” He reached for Aster’s hand. “Shall we?”

  “Fine.” Aster put her hand in his larger warmer one. If it would make him feel he had done his duty by her, she would go along.

  The two of them walked hand in hand through the ship. The morning activity on board being as different as night and day (ha ha). Elder couples with their natty canes topped with sterling knobs, or gilded brass birds of prey. Families with, mostly, well-behaved young children in matching striped summer suits, eager to swim or play games.

  Aster had her eyes peeled for Cora, but alas, she didn’t appear to save her and soon enough they were approaching the door with a pictograph on its front of a scalpel and a row of bandages. Promising, Aster thought wryly. Though a bit graphic for a pleasure cruise, where it was surely not liked to be admitted that anything could ever go wrong, or ever had.

  Still, they kept a doctor on staff for something though, eh?

  “You don’t have to stay with me.” Aster said.

  “Prin would.” Elwin said simply.

  Aster let go of his hand and gave his arm a pinch. “But not you?”

  “Sorry.” Elwin put his hand to his head wearily. “Of course me. I just didn’t – I’m tired.” He, not seeming to know what else to do, knocked at the door.

  An older woman, smartly dressed but in staff colors, opened the door a moment later. “You don’t have to knock, dear,” she said, kindly ushering them into the small waiting area. “What seems to be the problem?”

  Aster sat down, allowing Elwin the pleasure of attempting to explain the injury and its after effects without interference.

  As soon as the words animal bite had left his mouth, the nurse called the baby-faced doctor into the room to listen for himself.

  The doctor invited Aster back to his office, when Elwin had finished and Elwin tagged along without an RSVP.

  Elwin lifted Aster onto the tall exam table, and she unbuttoned her blouse and slid the injured arm out of its sleeve.

  “Hey, I just put this on.” Aster joked.

  The doctor squinted his eyes and scrunched up his round cheeks in concern. “May I?” Without waiting for an answer he unwrapped the long bandage and examined the wound. He traced the thick stitches with the tip of his finger, his butterfly-wing touch making Aster shiver.

  “I will have to open this and thoroughly clean the wound and restitch. For starters.” The doctor said.

  Aster did appreciate his straightforwardness, but not the fact that this was going to hurt. “You’ll take care of me well?” She asked.

  “Of course.” The doctor assured. “I’m glad you came in.” He went and got some tools from a drawer.

  “Wait! I mean . . . Okay, do what you have to. On one condition.” Aster turned back to Elwin. “I know you want to leave with the one you came to the party with but, you don’t need to watch the torture.”

  Elwin opened his mouth to protest, and Aster raised her hand to stop him. “No, I seriously do appreciate it but, I would feel better doing this alone.” So I can cry or scream without upsetting you, she thought, but didn’t say it out loud. “Go home and get some rest, take care of my bunny.”

  Elwin rubbed his eyes. “If you’re absolutely sure . . . I don’t really feel right . . .”

  “I’m sure. Really sure.” Aster said. What can you do to help me anyway? Silly boy. “Please go. We’ll see each other later.”

  Elwin planted a sweet kiss on Aster’s forehead. “I’ll be sure we do.”

  Aster knew he didn’t mean anything by that but she could feel her cheeks get warm anyway, though he didn’t seem to notice as he left the room.

  “Well, doc, how bad are ya gonna hurt me?” Aster asked, with a lopsided grin.

  The doctor went to a cabinet and came back with some more supplies. “How about this, shot for pain? Or knock out gas?”

  Oh thank god. “Better hit me with both, it’s been a long couple of weeks.”