We drove to the park, the place was surprisingly not as packed out as I was expecting and only a few people were around with their kids. Pulling up, Amara squeals happily and I climb out of the car before opening the back door and retrieving Mara from her carseat. The park was pretty big and had everything including picnic areas and a barbeque and also a sandpit.
She runs straight for the boot of the car the moment her feet touch the ground bouncing up and down excitedly. Ryland pops it open before handing her, her bucket and Pale before she runs off toward the sandpit.
Ryland followed closely behind her before flopping down in the sand next to her and helping her fill her bucket. Mara seemed happy enough but I did notice a few of the parents grab their kids the moment he stepped into the sandpit dragging them away or just leaving entirely, eventually they all leave, giving us the entire park to ourselves.
Sitting next to Ryland and Mara I look around to find the place completely deserted now. Everyone is gone and I look to Ryland.
"Everyone left" I tell him, a little shocked, I know for years the three of their faces were a constant in the news but they have kept to themselves for a few years now and besides the Thaddeus incident that thankfully Amara cleaned up nothing has happened.
"They will never forget, those at the playgroup though are used to us now. They stopped running from us after the first month" Ryland says, noticing me looking around. The thought saddened me, making me wonder what that means for Mara.
"So they let her play in playgroup" he nods.
"Yeah Orion and I just stay off to the side, make any sudden movements and they bolt" he shrugs.
"You should come with us, might put some of the parents at ease, you haven't torn apart cities like we have"
"Does she notice?" I ask, looking at Mara.
"Not sure, I hope not," he says, tugging a curl back behind her ear.
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