Eden was silent for a long time, watching the phoenix nestle into his palm.
When he finally spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper. "If I leave, what happens to the farm?"
Lumi explained himself again. "We hire someone trustworthy to maintain it. Someone who'll keep it running until you're strong enough to come back and protect it yourself."
Eden sighed. "And if I stay?"
Lumi shook his head. "You die. The phoenix probably dies with you. And the farm falls apart anyway because there's no one left to run it."
Eden closed his eyes. "That's not much of a choice."
"No," Lumi agreed. "It's not. But it's the choice you have."
The boy stood there, holding the phoenix, clearly struggling with the decision. "But… but… who would…" He trembled, deep in thought. Finally, he opened his eyes and looked at Lumi directly. "I suppose I have no choice. You said my ancestor was also a farm boy who left home. You promise that's true?"
Lumi nodded. "I promise."
