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Sasha hadn’t properly kept track of the days the night she let go of Anne. It wasn’t something that she grew to care about, a small part of her dreading the marching of time. It wasn’t something she often wanted to think about, and with her desire to leave fading fast, it wasn’t something she needed to do.
“Hey Grime?” Sasha asked, staring down at her paper. She had written a small letter, the contents inconsequential. “What’s the date?” But she needed to date it.
Grime hummed for a moment, before turning back to her “September ninth.” She paused, silence washing over her, heavy.
“Oh.”
Grime turned to her, watching the girl’s near shocked expression, confused.
“Lieutenant?” he asked, concern lacing his voice. “Is something the matter?” She blinked, looking over at him briefly before dating the paper.
“No, I just lost track of time I guess.”
“Was today an important day?” Sasha hesitated.
“Well, yes and no,” she shrugged. “Um…it’s my birthday.” Both were silent for a few seconds before Sasha waved her hand, almost as if shooing the thought away. “It was never a big deal to me anyway! I was just surprised is all. Time sure flies, doesn’t it.” She still seemed sad. The two sat in silence again, both comfortable and yet incredibly uncomfortable. Grime cleared his throat.
“Well, ah. Happy birthday Sasha.”
She smiled to herself, more for his use of her name rather than the birthday wish itself. She hummed softly in response, finishing her letter and folding it to be sent out, standing quickly.
“I’m going to send this out, alright? Then I think I’m going to hang out with Anne and Marcy for a little,” Sasha spoke fondly. Grime nodded, and the soldier rushed off.
Sasha didn’t arrive back at the Inn for a few hours, having given Grime a little time to himself. Yet every hour was still spent on her.
When she did come back, however, she headed immediately to her room, not even alerting Grime that she had arrived back. It wasn’t until almost an hour later when he decided to knock in her door, hoping to speak to her at least once more before the days end.
When she opened the door, she had changed into her night clothing, something she rarely did. She had yawned, looking down at him, confused.
“Yeah, what’s up?” she asked.
“I need to speak to you,” Grime said, pushing the door open and grabbing her hand, before turning back towards his room. Sasha quickly shut her door before allowing herself to be dragged away.
“Why, did something happen?” She seemed nearly bored.
“No,” he spoke, shutting the door as they entered his room. Sasha groaned, sitting on the sofa.
“So then why did you drag me here?”
Grime quickly pulled a small black box out from underneath the table. It was simple, not a single design on top. He turned to hand it to her, noticing the dumbfounded look in her eyes.
“September ninth,” he spoke, sitting next to her.
Sasha’s eyes were glued to the box, hesitantly pulling the top off of it. Inside, delicately laid, was a small, simple dagger. It wasn’t outstanding or flashy but with a few designs carved into the blade’s handle, it was beautiful. She carefully took it out, looking it over, running her finger across the blade.
“I don’t know how you usually celebrate your birthday,” Grime started, “but from what you’ve told me, you’d get a gift from someone you love. It’s not quite what we do in Amphibia, but I figured it might make you feel at home.”
Sasha looked up at Grime, a simple sadness in her eyes. For a moment, he worried he had done the wrong thing, tears starting to stream down her face. He frowned, opening his mouth to speak, but was quickly silenced when Sasha lunged forward, wrapping her arms around him tightly. He felt her body shake, quiet cries escaping as she hugged him. Grime quickly returned the hug, holding her as tightly as he could. Her sobs just grew louder.
The two stayed like that for a long period of time, holding each other while Sasha cried. She didn’t care if the other family in the Inn could hear her, she just allowed herself this moment.
By the time she had pulled away, her sobbing had quieted down, leaving her more calm and relaxed. She smiled at Grime, the sadness in her eyes replaced with genuine happiness.
“It’s wonderful,” she said, voice small.
Sasha was still a child, Grime told himself. And she had any reason to feel like one in this moment.
“I’m glad you like it,” he smiled back at her. There was a brief pause before he continued. “There’s a couple hours left in the day. Are there any other birthday customs on Earth?” Sasha hummed, pondering his question.
“There are,” she said. “But I think I’m okay just staying here with you for now.” Grime nodded. He’d let her stay for as long as she’d like.