Ch. 11 : Worried

It's been a while since I updated this collection, but life has been busy for me of late (which happens when you have a full-time job, even during a global pandemic). Thankfully, inspiration has struck! And I can't be the only one to think Earthworm would be most likely to go into over-protective mode, right?

It was rare to have a Monday off, but today was one of those days. Unfortunately, a day off from school did not mean a day off of work. For James, this was nothing new. His family had long since been able to rotate their work schedules so that someone was always home with him. Today was no different.

With everyone working departed for the day, James quickly headed to his room. His backpack hung on the back of his desk chair, neatly packed for tomorrow. Reaching inside, James retrieved the mystery book he'd borrowed from the school's library. James had only been able to reach the halfway mark before bed, but he didn't have to return it until Thursday. If he finished it today, James knew he would have time tomorrow to switch it out for another one.

Heading back downstairs, James opened his book to the next chapter, eager to see how-

"Ahh, James!"

James started at Earthworm's call. Before he could answer, Earthworm's body was curled around James's torso, pulling him close. Earthworm pressed his chin against James's head, as though trying to reassure himself the little boy was truly there.

"Earthworm?"

"Oh, James, I thought you were outside."

"Earthworm-"

"I'd rather you didn't go outside right now. I can't see where you go and if something happened to you..."

"Earthworm-"

"I know, I know, I can hear you, but I'd rather you stayed inside where I know you'll be safe and-"

"Earthworm, it's raining. I can't go outside."

Earthworm fell silent, glancing down at James and then turning his face toward the window. Sure enough, the sound of raining pattering against the window could be clearly heard.

"Oh. Right." Earthworm sighed and slid away from James. "Sorry about that."

"It's okay. Sorry if I scared you."

"Oh no. No, no no, you didn't. I just worry about you is all."

"You do?"

"Well, yes. I mean, I'm no stranger to that, but I have you now. Oh, you're a brave one, James, but I worry I won't be able to do anything if someone tried to hurt you or if you got lost or anything like that is all. I know that sounds silly, but..."

Earthworm's voice trailed off as James wrapped his small arms around the serpentine bug.

"I don't think you're silly, Earthworm. I still get scared too. I was worried there'd be thunder today. I still don't like thunder and lightning."

Earthworm rubbed his chin against James's head again.

"Neither do I, James. But don't worry, I'm here."

"Thanks, Earthworm."

"So, what are you doing today?"

"Reading my book."

"Oh. Mind if I sit with you?"

"I don't mind."

James settled himself on the couch as Earthworm slid up next to him, coiling himself lightly around James again.

"Eh, mind if I stay close to you?"

James smiled and leaned comfortably against his guardian.

"No, I'm glad you're here."

"You are?"

"Yes."

"Well, then, I'll stay here with you, James."

"Thanks, Earthworm."

Both fell silent, James deep in his book and Earthworm contentedly laying his chin on James's head, keeping his boy close.

Neither were worried about anything.