Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground novel Chapter 1141

Atticus smiled faintly. "You two should be used to this by now."

Both Anastasia and Aurora frowned instantly.

"If you didn't just wake up from a long coma, I'd have smacked your head, young man," Anastasia snapped. Aurora nodded beside her, wearing a stern look.

Atticus cleared his throat. "Sorry, Mom."

It was a thoughtless thing to say. Telling them to get used to him getting hurt was like saying they shouldn't feel anything when it happened.

"Stop getting yourself hurt," Anastasia replied. "That'll be enough of an apology for me."

Atticus smiled wryly, unable to say anything back. Was that even possible?

Then, all of a sudden…

"Grandmama!" the Soulkin chirped.

Anastasia's expression softened immediately as she reached out and caught the fluffy creature as it lunged into her arms. It instantly began licking her with excitement.

Atticus chuckled. "I'm glad to see you two are getting along."

"It's hard not to love this cutie," Anastasia replied, rubbing its belly. Its fluffy tail wagged wildly in delight.

Aurora moved closer. Her eyes were wide with childlike wonder as she stared at the Soulkin. It was obvious she wanted nothing more than to pet him.

The Soulkin seemed to notice her gaze and turned to her next, then leapt into her arms as well. Aurora caught it with a giggle, brushing her fingers through its snowy fur.

"You're so cute," she whispered with a bright smile.

The sight widened the smile on Atticus's face… but then reality slammed back into him. His gaze shifted toward Anastasia.

"What's going on?" he asked. "How long was I out?"

Anastasia met his eyes dead-on. "One and a half months."

Atticus's eyes flew wide. "That's insane." His voice sharpened. "What's happening? Where are the others?"

He tried to get up, but…

"Sit your ass down." Anastasia's tone was firm.

Atticus froze, mildly stunned.

"You just woke up and you're clearly still weak," she continued. "Take a breath. There's nothing you can do right now anyway." She paused, softening slightly. "Everyone's alive, at least."

Atticus was relieved to hear that, but one thing still nagged him.

"…Ass?" he echoed.

He never imagined his mother of all people would use that word.

Anastasia narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. "What? You're old enough to hear it, Mr. 'I Must Save the Whole World.'"

"Pfft—" Aurora burst into laughter.

Atticus shot her a scowl but didn't say anything. He cleared his throat.

Anastasia wasn't entirely wrong, but saving the world was never the goal. The only reason he would ever go that far was because it was the best way to protect them.

He said nothing else and simply nodded at his mother.

Anastasia leaned in and planted a kiss on his forehead. "Just take it easy, At. Everything's fine… for now. You need to recover. I'll get you some food"

She backed up, picking up the tray that had fallen earlier and cleaning up the space before leaving the room. Aurora gently picked up the Soulkin and settled into a seat close to Atticus.

"How are you feeling?"

Atticus turned to her. She looked exhausted, like she'd cried herself empty.

"I'm fine," he replied quietly. He didn't joke. Not now. Aurora didn't look like she was in the mood.

"…How are you?"

She paused, then smiled. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

She nodded slowly.

An unusual silence settled between them before Atticus broke it.

"Where are we?"