The pale blue light washed over his pallid face, a bright flicker beneath the encumbering mouth of an umbrella far too large for the boy’s size. The phone’s screen faded, and with it the light went, retreating from the umbrella’s curved spines, the pitch fabric reverberating with the rhythmic tap of pummeling rain. Poe loomed tall, black coat embracing his lanky frame. He could feel his warm breath sink into the raised collar, his fingers retreating behind long sleeves.

It would be a long walk home, too long of a walk. Hours, perhaps. His head lowered, a sleepy nod as he watched the water pool about his shoes in the midst of a haze. Well, there wasn’t much to be done now, was there? Mom and dad were working, surely there would be arrangements for getting everyone home. All that was left to do was wait.

Poe gave a small shrug, propping the umbrella just a little higher into the air, an invitation for anyone who couldn’t get dry. It was father’s, and therefore could easily shield at least four miniature humans. He gave a small wince as a drop slithered into the back of his collar, slipping down his neck. Ah well, it’d be done with soon enough. Home was waiting, warm and inviting, and stocked to the brim with hot cocoa mix. He could wait.