Sanctuary: Safe Haven

"I'm telling you, Ruseigner, the hippo enclosure shouldn't be next to the fish tanks. The filtration system will be a nightmare," Mae's voice rang out with a mix of concern and determination.

Ruseigner chuckled, his eyes twinkling with affection. "I understand, Mae. Let's revise the plans and also consider improvements for the pelican and flamingo enclosures."

Mae's smile was radiant as she looked at him. "It's nice to see you still value my input. Let's get to work."

From their conversation, Canna realized that his parents were deeply involved in planning the inner workings of their sanctuary while they were still alive. As he observed, it became clear that he was a passive spectator; he could only watch their lives unfold.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Canna watched his parents with rapt attention, feeling a mixture of admiration and sorrow. Initially, seeing them together again stirred a deep emotional response. But as time went on, he began to focus more on the practical aspects of their work. He absorbed every detail of their planning, learning about the complexities of building a sanctuary.

This rare opportunity to gain insights from his parents was invaluable, and he took careful note of their methods and considerations, understanding how crucial their expertise would be for his future endeavors.

As time blurred together, a new scene unfolded that struck him profoundly. He saw Mae burst through a door, her face glowing with a mixture of excitement and awe. She was breathless, her eyes glistening with tears of joy. Ruseigner looked up from his work, his puzzled expression swiftly transforming into one of overwhelming happiness as Mae ran into his arms.

"I'm pregnant! We did it!" Mae's voice trembled with emotion, filled with relief and sheer delight. "I'm so happy, Ruseigner! We did it!"

The sight of Mae's tearful joy and Ruseigner's beaming smile was a powerful emotional moment. Ruseigner's eyes were filled with pride and love as he held Mae close. The couple's shared happiness and anticipation for their child were palpable, and Canna felt an intense, bittersweet ache in his heart.

He was overwhelmed by a profound sense of loss—the warmth of his parents' love, their shared dreams, and the future that had been taken from them. Tears streamed down Canna's face as he witnessed their joy, feeling the weight of his own absence in their lives. For the first time in this dreamlike state, the sting of loss felt unbearable.

He wished with all his heart that he could have shared in their happiness, been a part of their lives, and embraced the future they had envisioned. The realization of how much he missed them, and the void their absence had left, was crushing.

Canna continued to observe his parents with a blend of admiration and longing. He watched as Mae devoted herself to learning about nurturing a baby, attending classes, and reading extensively with a fervent dedication. Her every action was driven by a deep love and an intense desire to ensure the health and well-being of her unborn child.

Ruseigner matched her devotion, creating a calm and stress-free environment for Mae. His commitment was evident in the little things—he enrolled in cooking classes to handle Mae's cravings and prepared meals with care. Canna saw the tenderness in Ruseigner's eyes whenever he looked at Mae, his support and love clear in every gesture.

Ruseigner took additional steps by managing the Sanctuary's operations, allowing Mae to focus solely on her pregnancy. He meticulously handled all tasks, ensuring everything ran smoothly so Mae could rest and prepare for their child.

As the months passed, anticipation grew in their home. Canna felt the excitement and nervous energy as the day approached. Finally, the moment arrived. He witnessed the birth of his younger self—Froja Yakane. The scene was filled with profound emotion: Mae's tears of joy, Ruseigner's beaming smile, and the awe they both felt as they held their newborn son for the first time.

Seeing his parents' overwhelming love and dedication stirred a deep, bittersweet ache within Canna. He observed the full circle of their journey—from their hopeful planning and sacrifices to the joyous arrival of Froja. It was a poignant reminder of the family he had lost and the love that had once enveloped him.

The joy of their new beginning was tinged with the sorrow of his own absence, leaving him with a heart-wrenching sense of what might have been.

In this dreamlike state, Canna could only watch, his heart heavy with the knowledge of how much he missed his parents and the life they had built together. The scene was both a celebration of life and a painful reminder of the emptiness left in his wake.

_______________

As the scene shifted, Canna found himself in a new, vivid moment. The warm, golden light now enveloped a cozy nursery, where his younger self, a tiny bundle of joy, was nestled in a soft blanket. Canna watched as little Froja, no older than a few months, cuddled contentedly with a chinchilla named Milo.

The small, furry creature seemed to be a beloved companion, its tiny paws gently resting on Froja's chest.

Ruseigner and Mae watched from a short distance, their faces softened with love and amusement. Mae's eyes sparkled as she observed the tender bond between his son and the chinchilla, while Ruseigner wore a proud smile, clearly delighted by the sight.

The room was filled with warmth and laughter, the gentle rustle of Milo's fur and Froja's soft giggles creating a peaceful melody. Canna's heart ached as he witnessed this intimate, joyful moment—his younger self's innocent happiness, a sharp contrast to the loss he had experienced.

The scene was a poignant reminder of the simple, pure love that had once surrounded him, intensifying his longing for the family he had lost.