a helping hand {kay}

It was just another day. Elidor sat in a chair peacefully glaring through a broken window. Dark eyes followed the birds chirping happily in the sky. A fake smile spread across his face trying to push it all away. Time wasn't on his side, and yet he kept pushing himself more and more. A monster howled inside his stomach begging for a bite to eat, but his food was scarce, and being the man he was, Elidor didn't feel like asking for help. Other people in the district needed it more than him, and if one person went to sleep without the hunger pains, the sacrifice was worth it. Most of his life was devoted to helping others, to making sure the needy were taken care of. Harbinger brought a lot home after winning the games, yet it doesn't feel like enough anymore. But a flame keeps his hope alive, and he tries to make the best. Growing a garden filled with mediocre fruits and veggies offered enough to help the weakest.

But today it just wasn't enough.

Floorboards creaked the moment he stood placing all his weight on the fragile ground beneath him - hopefully they wouldn't crash beneath the weight of his body. It was something he never worried about until today. His knees were weak and shaking. Calloused hands shook at his side, his lips quivered, yet he tried keeping the smile across his face. Nobody needed to know the pain. Nobody needed to see past the mask he was wearing.

Today was for helping. For taking care of the needy. For pushing himself ahead while everyone else walked away.

Clouds covered the sun blocking out the beautiful rays from reaching the ground. Dead grass crunched beneath his feet while a gentle breeze tickled his skin. Watching Harbinger leave for the Capitol to mentor the tributes was always difficult, but this time was worse. Knowing that Tamron purposely sent himself into harms way. But that was behind him, and nothing would change it. Right now all that mattered was helping his family out.

With a quick knock on the door, he entered into Harbinger's home. It was much nicer compared to the shack Elidor lived in, but he understood the price his brother paid in order to gain such an amazing prize. Walking up the stairs took a bit of work, and his stomach howled loudly. A bite of food would do him some good, but he didn't have time, and it wasn't important right now. Checking on his sister-in-law, and his niece took priority, and as long as he knew they were both okay, then it would give him the time to provide for himself. Navya had a lot going on caring for a toddler while trying to care for herself. She was strong, and it was something Elidor admired.

He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could get any further, Vera came running out of the room. Opening his arms, he embraced her in a hug, lifted her off the ground, and spun her around. The way she giggled made him laugh. A genuine smile replaced the once fake smile. This was what made his life worth living. These tiny moments that many took for granted. He planted a kiss on her cheek before carrying her on inside the room. It was a strange mess. Machines everywhere. Navya lying in bed. It wasn't a pleasant sight, but as long as she was okay, then all was well. His gaze dropped to Vera as he made his way over to the corner of the room. Clearing his throat he knew what he needed to do.

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You never know dear how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away." The words fell from his lips, and he tried to make a joyful tune, but it was nothing more than a dying cat lingering inside a dumpster pleading for help. "The other night as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you in my arms. But when I woke, dear, I was mistaken. So I hung my head and I cried."

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away."

Watching Vera smile and giggle was enough to make the entire day worthwhile.