Chapter Text
Pomni walked slowly through the darkness of her room. She couldn’t catch sleep, and for an hour she had been pacing, trying to recover her rest. Finally, she leaned against the door and gazed at the soft glow emanating from her night lamp.
The jester held a purple rabbit plush (a gift courtesy of Caine) tightly against her chest, enjoying its softness in the silent night.
“I have to see him,” whispered the young woman. She lifted her tired body, picked up a wool shawl, draped it over her shoulders, and headed toward the main hall.
The circus changed during the night: the sounds of conversations among the others faded, and absolute peace reigned. The young woman walked slowly, clutching the shawl in her hands, wondering if Jax would be awake. After months of Jax’s abstraction and Caine’s return to the circus, things were going relatively well. Kinger had regained part of his lucidity and advised her in her sad moments; Ragatha had begun to step out of her comfort zone and looked happier; and Gangle with Zooble shared moments in the circus that bordered on the cheesy since they had officially started dating. She would be lying if she said she didn’t feel jealous of their happiness, their mutual love, and companionship.
“No, no, bad Pomni,” she said, tapping her forehead. “I should be happy that at least they are together,” she added with a sad smile.
She reached the imposing tent that contained Jax’s abstract form and slowly entered, gathering her weight among the blankets and quilts placed there so Jax would feel safe and calm.
“Hello, Jax. I couldn’t sleep and wanted to see you. I should have guessed you’d be asleep, but that’s fine. I don’t need you to answer,” said the jester, settling among the pillows and hugging a round cushion on her lap. The abstract creature slept curled up in the middle of the tent, oblivious to everything.
“Things are getting better among the others. We’re learning to make our own adventures and expanding the digital world. Recently, Gangle and Zooble created an island where you can paint and draw as you wish; they spend most of their time there. They’re very happy, they have each other.”
A tear fell onto the pillow she held, and she couldn’t help but let out a sob as she wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her nightgown.
“You would be happy to see us too. The baby is growing strong; tonight wouldn’t stop kicking and forced me to wake up. I think our baby got that from you. After all, Junior is part you,” exclaimed the young woman, removing the pillow from her swollen belly and stretching her aching body.
“I must admit that the first time I felt the kicks inside me, I was very scared,” she continued, telling the father of her child while placing a protective hand over her belly. “But the others are helping me a lot. They even placed a crib and a rocking chair in my room. Caine believes the waiting time will be nine months, like a normal pregnancy. I’m already eight months along, but still, one can never expect the unexpected,” she said with a bitter smile.
“I want you to know,” she added, lifting her tear-filled gaze toward the sleeping figure, “that I will take good care of our baby. I’ll tell stories about you, what you were really like. I’ll bring us often so you can see our baby grow. There won’t be a lack of love or company. And if there’s even the slightest chance of bringing you back, I’ll make it happen, no matter how long it takes. You will meet your child, and…”
A sharp pain pierced her lower belly, and she began to hyperventilate. After a few minutes of calm breathing, as Kinger had taught her, she regained composure and once again turned to Jax’s abstract figure.
“I love you,” she said tearfully. Then she turned away, giving Jax her back, and prepared to leave the tent.
At the entrance, her strength was failing. She sat down, covering her swollen belly, and called out weakly:
“Caine…”
The energetic figure of Caine appeared with a pop in the air. Noticing the pregnant woman leaning against the tent, he quickly rushed to assist her.
“Pomni… dear, come, let’s take you to your room,” he said with deep concern in his eyes.
“Thank you, Caine… for this and everything else,” she replied weakly, holding the master of ceremonies’ hand to steady herself.
“It’s nothing, dear. Come on. You must rest.”
Pomni nodded, while imaginary visions of a future with her child and Jax swam in her mind. Once in her bed, she lay down, and Caine tucked her in, arranging pillows to ease her pain. Then she wished to dream… to dream of that distant future. And she fell into a deep sleep.