A Picnic
"Master Ugard, Master Ugard! I've cleaned my room like you asked me, and I have some ideas I'd like to consult with you. I think they can really help with my friendshi–"
Bastly raised his hand and tussled Seph's hair, interrupting her.
"That's very commendable of you, but could we do that some other day?"
She looked up at him. He was smiling, but there were traces of sorrow in his eyes. It was the same wistful expression he sometimes displayed when looking out of the window of his office.
"Are you alright, Master?"
"I'm fine. Don't worry about me. I just have some plans today." He answered while lifting a picnic basket he was holding.
"I-I see. Have a pleasant day, then, Master."
He nodded and headed towards the exit. She considered following him to try and discover the origin of the sadness inside him, but ultimately decided against it. As she's been told, sometimes people need space. A good friend knows how to respect her friend's boundaries. Master will open up to her when he's ready to do so. Until then, she'll be patient.
The sun was setting, painting the sky golden. On a little hill overlooking the city of Balsam, by a tree, a blanket was laid out. A couple of platters with simple but tasty looking dishes rested on top of it. Three sets of plates and cutlery were set out, but at the moment, only one person was sitting behind them.
The large figure stood up, when a second, much slimmer one, arrived.
"Vera."
"Bastly."
Without any additional words, they sat down and quietly consumed the meal. When they were finished, they continued to rest in silence until she finally spoke up.
"Do you think he'd spend the day with us? Or would he just go party with his friends?"
She asked while looking at a little stone in front of which the third plate was set. The time had worn down the words etched on it, but the two dates were still clearly visible. Only three years separated them. Today was the anniversary of the first one. More than a decade had passed since the second.
"He'd be in his rebellious phase around now, so I guess not the whole day, but I know he'd at least come to see us."
Silence took reign again.
When the last traces of sunlight were fully gone, Bastly lit two lamps and handed one of them to Vera.
She took it, and walked over to the stone. From her bag, she pulled out a little book and placed it on it.
"See you next year." She walked away, not waiting for a response, without looking back.
He stayed a while longer, packing up after the picnic. Before leaving, he placed a small wooden toy next to the little book.