asterisk convo #4

G: Emojis are so unclear. I just..it's not right ya know? Not right at all. *crumples paper into ball and tosses it in waste basket. puts head in hands*

M: *sighs and looks down in despair, places hand on shoulder while wrapping fingers over my temples* "Words can only do so much in a time like this."

G: *slowly releases hands from head and turns slowly to look at your face*

M: *assuring tight-lipped smile and a nod* "We'll make it."

G: "I..I..trust you." *forces smile and looks down and back up. this time smile is real*

M: *jolly chuckle* "That's my girl." *touches cheek* "Now who wants to set the table?! Mama will be home soon to make supper."

G: *jumps up with newly found vigor* "I'll grab the silverware if you do the plates!" *runs out of room but stops suddenly in doorway and turns to you* "Thanks, Sandy."

M: *warm giggle and assuring smile* "Of course. I'll be down shortly, sweet child." *you run out, and my face suddenly goes stern and worried. I turn back to the desk, open the drawer, and retrieve the letter from the lieutenant pertaining to the recent passing of your father*

G: "What's taking you so long?!" *chuckles as I call out from the kitchen* "How many place mats should i set down?!" *mind slowly directs to the aroma emerging from the oven. yum*

M: *my internal voice finishes the letter; 'Yours truly, Lieutenant Dan'. I fold the letter back up and set it in the drawer. wipes newly formed tear and sniffles. snaps back to reality and tries to sound like nothing is wrong* "Coming, Gertrude!" *speed walks to the door, stops at the light and turns to look at desk. turns off light, looks down, and closes the door*

G: "…aand the finishing touches." *speaking to self while carefully lighting a candle. turns to you* "Surprise! I know how much you love lavender candles! So does Mama and Papa!" *plops into seat and tosses mixed nut into mouth. notices a peculiar look on your face* "Say…what's going on?"

M: *nervously giggles* "They're--they're lovely, Gertrude.." *sits down, pushes assorted nuts aside and slowly moves hand toward your rested arm on the table* "I want you to know…what I'm about to say…I say with a heavy…heart." *deep inhale*

G: *heart sinks nearly instantly as your hand reaches mine. a sad frown replaces the smile that just moments ago covered my face* "What..what is it, Sandy?" *deep breathing as i look into your eyes* "Tell me."

M: *stares into flickering lavender candle, thinking about that sunny, inappropriately romantic afternoon I spent with your father under the oak tree when your mother was out* "It's--it's nothing, Gertrude." *looks up to meet your gaze and smiles, giving you the false hope you've been given for all of your childhood. f your life* "Let us eat."