Heidi : echoes of ash

Observation Notes: Heidi Everdale 0-3 years

Recorded By: Dr. Marlowe Grant
Role: Lead Researcher, Half-Human/Half-Vampire Study
Case ID: NEH-0001
Personal Note: Working with Heidi Everdale has been a fascinating and eye-opening journey. She is not just a subject of scientific interest but a reminder of the limitless potential of individuality and resilience. While my direct observations are limited to her visits and controlled experiments, additional insights come from detailed conversations with Ellis, Mijo, and others involved in her life.

It is important to note that these examinations are not simply a matter of academic curiosity but a requirement dictated by the demands of Pazuzu and various other governments. They were mandated as part of the legal battle fought by Rose Calloway, the lawyer who secured Heidi’s right to be treated as a normal child. This agreement ensured that Heidi could live without restriction, provided regular assessments were conducted to monitor her development. What follows are my personal observations, findings, and the shared accounts of those closest to her over the years.

Age: 0-3 Years (Infancy to Toddlerhood)

When Ellis brought Heidi in for her first check-up, his wariness was palpable. He stayed close by, arms crossed tightly, watching every movement and word with the intensity of someone determined not to let his guard down. Yet, despite his protective demeanor, his care for Heidi was unmistakable.

Heidi, however, was unlike any child I had encountered. Her pale skin was striking, almost white, and her pink-hued eyes—fully developed at birth—added an otherworldly yet captivating quality. Even more remarkable were the tiny fangs visible from her earliest days, a physical trait hinting at her dual heritage and evolutionary adaptability.

The Feeding Ritual

Initially, Heidi thrived on formula like any other baby. However, given her unique physiology, we recommended supplementing her diet with small amounts of blood to ensure she wasn’t missing critical nutrients tied to her vampire heritage. This suggestion was made with the understanding that, as a direct blood relative, Ellis’s blood would be the most compatible and safest option for Heidi. Ellis reacted predictably: “You’re asking me to let her bite me?” His disbelief was clear, but his resolve to do what was best for Heidi ultimately won out.

The first feeding resembled feeding from a bottle, lasting longer than expected as she latched onto Ellis’s finger and fed with surprising steadiness. Occasionally, Heidi needed to pause, being gently burped before resuming. To lighten the mood, he’d occasionally joke, “Good thing you didn’t inherit your Uncle Mijo’s appetite. You’d have cleaned me out by now.” Mijo, who was present, raised an eyebrow and asked, “Wait… you want me to feed on you?! That’s a little weird.” Ellis smirked, patting his friend on the shoulder. “Steady, big guy. No bitey-bite needed.” You could see the confusion still on Mijo's face wondering why on earth Ellis would want him to bite him.

From then on, feeding became routine, with Ellis wrapping his fingers in plasters and rotating which ones she fed from.

Personality Observations

Even as a baby, Heidi’s calm and observant nature stood out. She rarely cried and seemed to assess her surroundings with an intensity far beyond her years. By the time she turned two, her personality began to shine. One memorable day, she discovered Ellis’s drumsticks that he had left in his back pocket by accident and started banging out a surprisingly steady rhythm. Ellis tried comically to reclaim his drumstick from her tiny yet determined grip but ultimately gave up. Heidi left the lab clutching her prize, much to his bemusement.

Her curiosity extended to every aspect of her environment. Heidi explored textures, studied objects, and observed people with her piercing pink eyes. Though cautious at times, her quiet confidence was undeniable, and her determination to understand the world was inspiring.

Physical Traits and Observations

Heidi’s pale skin and pink eyes drew attention, but she seemed blissfully unaware of her distinct appearance. Her small but sharp fangs were a practical feature, playing a role in her feeding but never hindering her. Her physical strength, even as a toddler, was remarkable.

While observing these interactions, I had to remind myself that my role was to monitor for safety precautions and potential threats to the world. However, all I could see was a child surrounded by a family who cared deeply for her.

To better understand her physiology, small skin samples were taken to test how her cells reacted to sunlight. Contrary to traditional vampire lore, no visible effects were noted. This was an early indication that Heidi’s unique biology differed significantly from full vampires, who were known to turn to ash upon exposure to direct sunlight.

During one of Ellis’s routine visits, I prepared a small stack of papers—a reading list intended to provide him with resources for raising Heidi. As I slid it across the table, Ellis raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“What’s this?” he asked, picking it up cautiously.

“Homework,” I replied, keeping my tone deliberately neutral.

The list comprised two parts: practical books on parenting and infant care, and more speculative research on vampires, compiled from fragmented historical accounts. “The first section is fairly straightforward,” I explained, gesturing to the top of the list. “Baby-proofing your home, sleep schedules, and other essentials. The second section… well, it’s less conclusive. Vampires are notoriously private, so we’ve had to fill in the gaps with educated interpretations.”

Ellis flipped through the titles, muttering to himself. “‘The Gentle Art of Parenting,’ and then… ‘Legends of the Vampyr: A Study in Mythology’? Seriously?”

“It’s a mix,” I said with a faint smile. “Some essentials, some theory. Take what you can use.”

Ellis paused, holding the list. “So… what do I do if she, uh, turns into a bat or something? Is that in here?”

I couldn’t resist. “Page twenty-three,” I said, keeping my expression completely serious. “There’s a section on nocturnal flight patterns and perch training. You’ll want to start with bat-proofing your windows.”

Ellis froze, staring at me, his eyes wide. “Wait, what? That’s real?”

I let the moment hang just long enough before breaking into a grin. “No, Ellis. Vampires don’t turn into bats. Relax.”

He groaned, running a hand down his face. “Not funny. You nearly gave me a heart attack.”

As he stuffed the books into his back pack, he muttered to himself while walking away. “Great. Homework. What did I sign up for here, Heidi?”

Moments like this are a reminder of the humanity at the heart of this extraordinary situation—Ellis’s unwavering dedication to Heidi and his ability to find humour in even the most overwhelming circumstances.

Final Notes (Age 0-3)

These early years were a period of discovery, adaptation, and resilience. For Heidi, it was about learning how to navigate the world with her unique traits. For Ellis, it was about coming to terms with the enormity of his role in her life. While he remained guarded and skeptical of the process, his commitment to her well-being never wavered.

Heidi’s natural instincts, from her ability to feed gently to her curiosity about the world around her, hinted at the extraordinary person she would grow to become. Even at this young age, she displayed a resilience and adaptability that left an impression on everyone who worked with her.

For Ellis, the situation was far from easy. But despite his initial hesitation and the overwhelming uncertainty of raising someone so unique, he never once let her down. If nothing else, those early days proved one thing: whatever challenges lay ahead, Heidi would face them with an unwavering sense of self—and Ellis would be there, every step of the way.