Page 11 of Heart of a Hero

It was a foreign feeling, this sense of belonging, of being part of something bigger than myself. But as I watched Akira and Taylor, their laughter mingling in the air, I couldn’t help but think that maybe we’d finally found our place in the world. Assuming Dawson wanted anything to do with us once we were able to move out. It wasn’t like we could live with him forever.

Akira turned to me, a gentle smile on her face. “The items I picked up may not be to your taste, but Dawson said you’d lost everything. I’m sure the fire was scary enough, but then realizing you only had the clothes on your back…”

She began to unpack the bag and my eyes widened as I took in the generosity, the thoughtfulness behind each item. Clothes for each of us, hairbrushes, ponytail holders, hair clips, bows for Taylor, socks, pajamas, and even a stuffed bear.

“Akira, this is too much,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “You didn’t have to do all this.”

She waved off my protest, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “Nonsense. It’s the least I could do. We’re practically family now, and family takes care of each other.”

Family. The word echoed in my mind, a concept I’d almost forgotten. But why did she consider us family? It wasn’t like Dawson and I were dating. He was just helping us out for now.

Taylor squealed with delight as Akira handed her the items she’d picked for my little girl. “Mommy, look! I can be a princess now!”

I laughed, the sound foreign to my own ears. When was the last time I’d felt this lightness, this joy? It seemed like a lifetime ago. Rex had destroyed our lives, then the fire consumed what was left.

As Akira continued to distribute the items, I found myself drawn into easy conversation with her, the words flowing naturally as if we’d known each other for years. She asked about my interests, my dreams for the future, and for the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to imagine a life beyond survival.

“Do you have a job you need to get to?” Akira asked.

I nodded. “I work as a waitress at the café in town. And when there aren’t enough hours to go around, I pick up some shifts at the dollar store.”

“When’s your next shift?” she asked.

“Tomorrow. I’ll have to figure something out for Taylor. She’s on winter break at school.”

Dawson cleared his throat. “I can watch her. I’m off until the day after.”

“You’ve already done so much for us,” I protested.

Akira snorted. “Let him. Kids have always loved him. I’m sure the two will get along just fine. So, Nora, tell me more about yourself. What do you like to do for fun?”

I paused, the question catching me off guard. Fun? I hadn’t had the time or money for something like that. “I used to love painting. There was something about capturing the world on canvas, creating beauty from nothing. But I haven’t done that since high school.”

Akira’s face lit up. “That’s amazing! You know, I’ve always wanted to learn how to paint. Maybe you could teach me sometime?”

“I’d be happy to.”

“Not to burst your bubble, Akira, but you need talent to paint,” Dawson said. “I seem to recall you messing up stick figures.”

She glowered at him. “Shut it.”

“I’m just telling the truth,” Dawson said.

“My dad loves my artwork.” Akira folded her arms.

“Uh-huh. That’s because you’re Daddy’s girl. It has nothing to do with your skills.”

She rolled her eyes, then ignored him. “I feel like I should apologize. We argue like siblings since we grew up together.”

“I actually like it. The two of you seem really close.” I gave her a bittersweet smile. “I’ve never had anyone like that in my life. I might even be a bit jealous.”

Akira turned to me, a smile playing on her lips. “You know, Nora, I’ve known Dawson since we were kids. Our families lived close by. He’s always been the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.”

I nodded, glancing over at Dawson as he busied himself in the kitchen, his broad shoulders hunched over the counter. “He seems like a really good guy.”

My cheeks heated at the admission. How could he look so sexy just standing there like that?

“Our lives were chaotic. But Dawson was always different from the others, and from his father. Even now, his parents have no idea what he does for a living. He’s worried what they’ll say.” She sighed and watched Dawson. “Honestly, I think his mom would be fine with it. Not sure about his dad. But his sisters? They’ll give him shit.”

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