[attr="class","carvecount"]1,066 WORDS

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[attr="class","carvetext"]June was an interesting a month, to say the least, Orion always finding the endless display of rainbows and colours created a cheery atmosphere different from the criminal-infested Lorsette he grew familiar with. The Pride Parade was on this pleasant summer day, his mother and aunt insisting they would attend and drag along the young boy with their persuasive words and pushy attitudes. As a result, he rose from his slumber earlier than he cared for to get dressed and assure he would receive his morning cup of caffeine. He was addicted to the bitter beverage, the lack of health benefits never crossing the young man's mind as he poured it into a plain, black thermos and mixed cream and sugar into the dark liquid. Rich, black coffee with a hint of cream and sugar was a heavenly concoction, crucial for these mornings where his family planned on touring him around throughout the day. Groggily, Orion had dressed in a red t-shirt and a pair of blue jeans, a yawn escaping his mouth despite the coffee he continuously drank. Once dressed, he slowly moved through the house, coffee in hand as he assured everything was in place to leave Bosco comfortably at home.

Food was left in the bowl, the water was filled and finally, the doggy door unlocked to allow Bosco freedom into the fenced backyard. Throughout the morning, Orion steadily moved through the house, assuring all of his precious dog's favourite toys were conveniently placed for his enjoyment. Another sip of coffee was taken when Orion picked up the treat ball, smoothly stuffing the ball for Bosco to chase around and remember how much they loved him. Once finished, the officer placed the gently onto the ground, leaving it for his beloved pet. A few sips of coffee were enjoyed until his aunt woke, breakfast being cooked before his mother was roused and assisted into her wheelchair. They gleefully consumed their breakfast of pancakes while discussing the events of the day. Excitement filled the household, Orion's auntie Melody and mother excited about heading to the Pride Parade. When they finished eating their food, they all prepared for the parade, packing several water bottles before helping his mother into this aunt's old car.

When they finally arrived, they parked a few blocks down, his aunt quickly unfolding the wheelchair before they assisted Erika into the chair. Promptly, his aunt walked around the chair, grabbing the handles with a broad smile on her face. There was a glimmer of excitement in their eyes at the prospect of witnessing the parade. Rainbows lined the streets, Orion quietly glancing around, hands hidden in his pockets and a small grin on his face.

"Ori, let's stand near the park for the parade, less pushing your mother around," Auntie Melody gleefully stated.

A soft laugh escaped Erika's mouth. "This will be so exciting!"

Immediately, Orion smiled, nodding at his aunt's words. The trio approached the park area, stalls being set up for the following celebration once the parade finished passing. Quietly, the young man stood beside his mother and aunt, the group arriving early to avoid being forced in an ill-favourable location. Chatter transpired between Erika and Melody, the young man's eyes wandering curiously around their location. Flags of varying colours were hung from the buildings, most holding the classic rainbow pattern while others were coloured in unfamiliar styles. Admittedly, Orion did not research much into these occasions, but gladly planned on supporting others. People were gathering to line the sidewalks, long stretches of ribbon ties between sturdy posts creating a barrier between the parade's participants and the spectators. As time proceeded, people began gathering, the crowded area leaving little room for moments for those watching. When the parade finally began, rainbows consumed the streets as Orion stared wide-eyed at the colourful floats and people celebrating their pride. A smile graced the dark-haired man's lips as he quietly watched from the sidelines, occasionally peeking over at his overzealous mother and aunt who were clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Those smiling faces were the reason the RCMP officer booked the day off work in favour of spending it with his auntie Melody and mother. One was the woman who embraced them, took himself and his mother into her home, showered them with love and assisted with the strenuous recovery. Then the delightful, lively face of his mother, the woman who assured he would survive the dangerous encounter. When he required her most, she shoved the brutal man away, screamed for him to run before enduring the abhorrent nightmares which awaited her at the hands of her vicious ex-boyfriend; his mother was a hero. She was somebody with an intense devotion to her family and a willingness to sacrifice her life to allow her child to survive happily in this world. Nothing could be accomplished to properly thank her for saving him all those years ago, for supporting him and placing his health above her own. Eventually, the floats lazily passed by, each unqiue, but having the same rainbow colours in support of Pride Month. For those precious minutes, everybody felt happy, safety wrapping around the young man and his family like a warm blanket. Gradually, the floats finished passing, the small group soon turning to enter the festival.

Casually, auntie Melody manned the handles of the wheelchair, her trained muscles and steady steps allowing her to smoothly navigate Erika's chair.

"That was wonderful! Everything is so colourful, it's... just beautiful," Erika said softly.

A smile lit the young man's face as he glanced at his mother. "I'm glad your having fun, mom."

The woman smiled back, a tight-lipped grin acting as response. "You better have fun too, honey."

"I'm having fun if you two are," he stated with a large smile.

Both Erika and Melody smiled, soft giggles escaping their lips while they proceeded through the festival. Their eyes were glancing around at the numerous stalls, their group curiously gazing at the festivities. Never had they attended a Pride Festival, thus their curiousities were placed into exploring the area. Silently, Orion followed his aunt and mother, eyes flitting around the scene, surprised at the colourful nature of these festivals. There was an innocent beauty to everything which Orion could admire, however, he wondered how long it would be until his steel-blue eyes were exposed to the horrible crimes in Lorsette once again.