Run with the Moon by Bailey Bradford

it. I was home.”
    He continued, “And if you’re wondering what this has to do with you, I think you can figure it out. I loved Hank. Nothing was wrong with him. Murray deceived him into thinking Murray loved him. He didn’t. You don’t hurt the people you love, you don’t kill them. And I love you, son. I’ve never said so, but I do.”
    Aaron had tears streaming down his cheeks. He was still scared, still didn’t think he fit in. “I… I don’t—”
    “You don’t want to have a wife, or a mating partner,” Walter interrupted. “Aaron, that’s okay. I didn’t realize—your mother did, and once she talked to me, I saw that you are like Hank.”
    Aaron wheezed, so terrified he couldn’t speak. Here was his chance to deny it. To claim that he was just like everyone else in the village.
    “It’s okay, Aaron. I won’t let anyone hurt you, and I think it’s time changes are made here. You will do the jobs you feel suit you, and the same goes for everyone else. I hadn’t meant for things to be defined by gender. Back in Redwood, would you believe that I sewed and made some of the prettiest blankets ever created?”
    Aaron goggled at his father. “What?”
    Walter smirked. “It’s true, and I miss it. We don’t have the wool or material that was available in Redwood. There we had several close villages and even towns where we could go and trade for what we needed. Here, we’re more isolated. Safer from diseases spreading, I guess, just not near things that could make our lives easier. I’d try to get everyone to move, but they won’t. It’s easier to stay with what’s familiar.
    “And before you say anything about me making all these changes for you, it isn’t just for you,” Walter said. “I want some happiness in my old age, Aaron. I want my children to be happy. And I want to be strong enough for my family to stand up and implement rules or remove rules that I think are making our lives harder. Without pleasure, what is life? Pain, suffering, hard work, that’s what. Did you know, we used to have celebrations other than the annual winter gathering?”
    Aaron was too busy trying to process everything to reply with more than a grunt.
    “We did,” Walter continued. “There were once quarterly trips taken, wherein virtually everyone in the village went on to trade with other people. That stopped before I took over. I’m not sure why. Now, back to the matter at hand.”
    “Um.” Aaron squirmed and still couldn’t look his father in the eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”
    “You haven’t got to say anything. I wanted you to listen. What you feel, if we’re right? There’s nothing wrong with it. Being attracted to the same gender isn’t as common as being attracted to the opposite gender, but it isn’t wrong at all.” Walter smiled. “Hank used to say that’s why it was special, because it wasn’t done as frequently.”
    “I still don’t know what to say.” Aaron needed time to think and worry. Okay, maybe he didn’t need to worry—it’d happen regardless.
    “Now, the shifters, that’s more worrisome. If there are several of them, and they attack us—”
    “They aren’t going to attack us,” Aaron said. “Why would they? We have nothing they want. They aren’t vicious beasts in either form.”
    Walter cocked an eyebrow at him. “Are you sure we have nothing they want?”
    Aaron hated blushing. Damn it all to hells.
    Walter patted his knee. “You’ll tell me when you’re ready, I suppose. This has been an emotional day for us both. I understand you’ll need time to believe I mean what I’ve said.”
    “I believe you,” Aaron said quickly.
    “You do?” Walter inquired.
    Aaron bobbed his head. “Yes, of course I do. You’ve never lied to me, or to anyone, as far as I know. Why would you do so now? There would be no purpose.”
    Walter ruffled his hair then surprised Aaron with a kiss to his brow. “I wouldn’t.”
    Before Aaron could reply, someone