ALVAMOR, 2000

Ph'Amr stares at the sky, eyes squeezed together as the shimmering of a spaceship flashes into his eyes. Lowering his head, he sees a small smile on his father's face and the bigger and brighter smile of his mother as she stares at the newborn in her arms. Her eyes meet Ph's and she speaks to him.
 
"You'll be fine, P. ". Ph frowns at her statement, until realizing he's been hopping on his feet the entire time. Forcing himself to stand still, he glances back at the descending spacecraft.
 
The friend of his father is about to visit them, probably alongside his wife and maybe his oldest child Komand'r. But Ph truly hopes they left her home. He doesn't hate her or anything, but like is a big word. They are too different, they don't match. While Komand'r is more bolder and outgoing, Ph prefers to be alone and stay quiet around anyone but his parents.
 
When the doors open, the red hair of the royalties is easy to spot in front of the light background, like lightning in a pitch-black sky. Ph spots the king and his wife, as well as the little girl walking between them. He doesn't seem to recognize her, a bit of weight falling off his shoulder when realizing Komand'r is left home. But then his social anxiety kicks in, and it's making him even more nervous than before.
 
"Myand'r, friend! ", Ph's father begins. "Welcome! ". The red-headed king laughs and gives his friend a big hug, and Ph remembers the time Myand'r hugged him. Tensing up, he steps back and lowers his eyes.
 
"How gorgeous! ", Luand'r states, looking down at the small baby his mother is holding. She smiles as her eyes dart to Ph. "You must be a proud big brother! ". All eyes now pointing at him, his face heats up and his mouth seems sealed shut.
 
"You did a good job, my friend! ", Myand'r laughs as he pets Hi'Amrs shoulder. The two laugh hard together, even his mother and Luand'r can't help but giggle. The little girl's face holds a confused look and she tilts her head at Ph.
 
What is he afraid of? It's just a girl.
 
Oh yeah, she's Komand'rs younger sister.
 
"How about we get inside before the children get hypothermia? ", Hi'Amr asks the royal family. Alongside Myand'r, Hi leads the group inside as the two laugh at another bad joke and the two queens chitchat. The girl walks beside Ph, who doesn't seem to notice her until she speaks to him.
 
"Hi. ". He makes a small jump, nearly yelping. The girl giggles, taking his reaction as a joke. "I'm Koriand'r. ", she says sweetly, smiling at him. He speeds up his pace but Koriand'r manages to keep up. While his eyes are focused on his mother's back, the girl frowns. "What's your name? ", she questions. Ph's eyes flash at hers, face flushing.
 
This time, he can't seem to look away. It's like she's forcing him to keep looking, to face his fears. And it is working.
 
"Ph'Amr. ", he breaths out. The first and hardest word is out. The heat leaves his face and finally, he dares to look at her. Her face lightens up, smiling at him and Ph can't help but smile back at her.
 
"Nice to meet you, Ph'Amr. ".

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Hi everyone!

I'm thinking about doing this 'flashback' chapter more often in this story, so let me know if you would like that!

If you liked this chapter please consider to vote or comment, that would make my day. 

Thanks and stay safe!

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