Private Rest for the Weary

Not for the first time, and perhaps not for the last, Jae through of his Aunt's home along the city waterfront. Where all that separated him from the ocean was a road and a beach. It was simple to slip off the docks and into the water, to swim far off and sing off his magic. Then, return quietly to his aunt's home and retreat to the comfort of his room. A room in a house shared with only one other occupant. In a home separated from others by yards and fences.

Within the school dorms the press of people was inescapable. No matter where he was, the signs of people and their presence followed. It wasn't unbearable at first. Though he had to trek across the city to reach the ocean, it was more annoyance than a barrier. But then the beaches were closed, the ocean turned dangerous. There was no where Jae could go to get away and sing off his magic. People were everywhere, and at ever moment his magic whispered of death and destruction.

Jae left the dorms. He packed his meager belongings and when the closest motel wouldn't take him, he found the Forest Respite. Fewer people, closer to the ocean, Jae hadn't realized how tightly wound he was until he locked himself into his room and let out a sigh of relief. He almost cried. The school dorms, the ocean closed, he was going mad. Today marked his second day at the Respite.

The phone rang in the room. Jae jumped at the sound, and wondered who could be calling before picking up the receiver. The calm voice of a receptionist came from the other side, informing him he had a visitor. When Jae asked who and the receptionist said Mr. Edwin's name the teen paused. Mr. Edwin came to see him? When he thought about it it made sense, but a part of him had not expected anyone would care enough to check up on him.

Jae thanked the woman, and checked his appearance in the mirror. His clothes were clean, but Jae frowned at his face. It showed clear signs of stress, with purple bags under his eyes, but his magical beauty made his stress look attractive. Before Jae could dwell on that for too long he left his room.

The sight of Mr. Edwin waiting for him was. . . well, Jae felt relieved. Like his well being mattered to someone, and it was a sobering thought. "Mr. Edwin." Jae greeted his teacher, and took the seat beside him. "Um," Jae stared at the floor. He realized it was wrong of him to run off suddenly from the dorms. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you I came here I. . . I wasn't comfortable staying at the dorms."

Hearing Mr. Edwin say it was okay sent another rush of relief through Jae. A part of him had feared that he would get into trouble. Though, he should also remember to apologize to his dorm parent, who must have been worried when they discovered Jae gone. "No, no, no trouble at all." Jae said, not quite ready to answer the first question. "The staff are nice, they let me have a private room."

A place where he could lock the door and lay in bed and feel secure. "I'm. . ." Was he okay? Jae pondered this. He examined his life from the moment his aunt hit hem to now. "I'm. . . scared." Jae said, his gaze pined to hands folded together on his lap. "When the ocean was dangerous. . . I couldn't swim far out where no one could hear me singing, and I couldn't walk far enough in a night, and I couldn't go into the forest either.

"I couldn't release enough of my magic, it was always burning within me. It wants me to hurt others, and I was always surrounded by people. My magic was constantly there in the back of my head. It hurts, my magic hurts when I don't use it." It was like the saying about the frog. When thrown in a boiling pot it would jump out immediately, but when placed in cold water, and then heated up slowly over time. . . Jae felt like the frog, except he knew what was happening, but was unable to stop as his magic grew ever stronger.

The school could offer a place. Jae nodded, feeling a little foolish he hadn't considered that. Though, he knew why he didn't think of it sooner. Ever since he gained his magic he felt like he should hide it. His aunt held him at a distance, the colony mistrusted him for it, Jae himself felt shame towards his powers. Then, since he arrived on the island Jae kept his magic under control by himself. He's managed by himself for so long it was difficult to seek help.

"I'll do that." He said. The beach was open again, and the ocean was safe, but something needed to change. Now that he was being honest. . . "I. . . I don't like living at the school dorms." Being able to expel his magic or no, the feeling of being constantly surrounded by people made him uneasy. "I have money," He said, more thinking aloud than trying to convince Mr. Edwin. If need be Jae could pay for a motel room for the rest of his schooling.

"Stay. . ." Jae's head shot up, and he stared at Mr. Edwin with a look of shock and a little confusion. Mr. Edwin continued, offering a room of his home for Jae. A quiet place close to school where he could find peace. The teen blinked, unsure how to classify the medley of feelings churning within. "You. . . you mean it?" He asked, needing confirmation that the offer was honest.

"W-would it be okay? Like, the school would let you?" The school was his current guardian as his aunt had disowned him. Jae realized it would make him happy if he could stay with Mr. Edwin. His teacher who was kind and support and was there with Jae when it came time to confront his aunt.