>>5272257Mother of All…there it is again." You mutter to yourself, taking a few steps up to the front porch and pulling a pair of nearby chair closer, the white wicker leaving a dusty sheen on your hands that you only notice when you beckon the Porcelain Shrike to take a seat beside you.
"You do have a point there, Carmen.” You finally admit as the older woman makes her way to your side. “Multiple, actually…the more I think about it and consider things from your point of view. Some points more uncomfortable than others—two mother figures adopting a family in a harsh world, doing what they can to survive. And all of that unraveling the moment someone chooses violence."
You meet her blood-red eyes with a knowing smile. "Yeah, I can empathize with your place and mood. You've got soft spots for people you care about, and I'm not so different in that I have people that I'd love to tear heaven and earth asunder for, whether it be love, vengeance, or grief."
You look out along the tree-lined avenue with a beleaguered sigh, adding; "Although in my case, I'm not sure if having to tend to a cult as well as three children the size of Kaiju is a point of commonality between us two."
Carmen’s smile softens, and she folds her pale, drawn fingers in her leap before voicing her reply. “Ha, in my experience? Being a child is a mindset, regardless of the body it inhabits.”
A commonality established. Common ground, forged.
"Look...I apologize on behalf of Sam.” You say, meeting Carmen’s eyes once again as you shift back to more serious matters. "In your own words, she is my responsibility, after all. If it's any consolation, I could make arrangements for you to visit Sval and Zuè if you'd like. They're currently living in my headspace. Would you like to visit them after I ask a few questions?"
“…they’re alive?” Carmen breathes, her voice carrying a deeper version of the strained hope that was woven into Sam’s voice only a few minutes ago. “Are…are they well?”
“Yes, actually...well, Sval is, at least. They’re hanging out in a coffee shop space that some of my other Dream Daughters made.” You admit, Carmen doing her best to hide that she’s hanging on your every word. “Zuè’s going a little hard on the scotch and bourbon.”
And then, leaning close to the Shrike with a conspiratorial whisper, you add; “She’s jealous of your spot in who’s hosting you. Practically smitten with him, by the sound of it.”
You almost jump out of your seat at the squawk of laughter than Carmen lets slip, and her hand flies to her mouth as if to catch whatever other joyful sounds are on its heels. She’s quiet, after that—taking a few seconds to study your face in silence before she smiles again, but it’s different, this time.
Softer.
Kinder.
Like looking in a mirror.
“Ask your questions, Shu.” She finally says. “I will do my best to answer.”
(Continued)
