Rag Baby

“My baby…

I know you’re our child

Please try to understand

We love you so much…my child…”

Furaha, at the hollow age of 7, an age when she was supposed to be big enough to do things any of the other big kids ought to do, was tired. She sat by the fire feeling very exhausted when Optimus came and picked her up, holding her tight in his arms and holding a pail China mug filled with creamy, fresh milk.

“My baby…

Hold my hand and smile…

All will be alright…

You have your family by your side…”

Furaha drank the beautiful pure whiteness of this creamy substance, as if she were breastfeeding Optimus Prime. It felt like the scent of an angel had filled her meaty-breathed mouth. Around her, all was quiet in the family. Wizardmon was sitting in his rocking chair with his reading glasses on, reading his book. Orko was resting on the leather sofa, while Gatomon was eating buttered toast soldiers, sticky yellow butter all round her mouth, turning it from a pale white to a dairy-produced yellow.

“When stars shine in the sky, understand

I’m here for you, and so are they.”

Furaha comfortably huddled into Optimus’ arms, her dry throat now moist with delicious white creamy goodness. Optimus sighed and hugged his foster daughter, delighted to have her in his life.

“Whenever you’re alone, call out.

I will be quick to respond.

And when the time comes,

You’ll be independently free…”

Gatomon drank her milk, as all her toast soldiers were finished. She hiccuped, and Wizardmon looked up from his book. He took his reading glasses off and went to pick up his niece. He hugged her softly, as she yawned and sighed in gentle happiness. Furaha huddled into Optimus’ giant hands, her head filling with memories of all the fun she had with her family in her environment’s safe, quiet nature…

“A-ye, a-ye, aye.

A-ye, a-ye, aye.

You are one of us,

A-ye, a-ye, aye.

You are one of us, my child.

Even though you don’t belong.”

In her mind, Furaha could see her hugging Gatomon out in the field. She could see Wizardmon feeding her some creamy milk from a pristine glass in the kitchen. She could see Orko jumping out from behind a bush, surprising her, and Optimus Prime hugging her when she was just a little baby.

“A-ye, a-ye, aye.

A-ye, a-ye, aye.

We’ll be there for you,

A-ye, a-ye.

When you are alone, don’t worry.

We’ll be there to guide you.”

Gatomon and Orko were getting a bit tired. They were yawning and huddling next to each other, like they were about to share a hug all siblings share any minute now.