“I’m tagging out,” Oliver said as
soon as Isaac walked in.
“That good, huh?” Isaac put down his
bag and went into the kitchen to give his exasperated husband a hug.
“I’ve never seen a kid work so hard
to swallow their gift. I couldn’t wait until mine came. I ran around like a
maniac shooting sparks for weeks.”
“That sure sounds like you. The
maniac part I mean,” Isaac said, dodging the flicked towel that came at him a
second later with a laugh. He was happy to see Oliver laughing too. “I’ll go
talk to her.”
Isaac knocked on his daughter’s door.
“Can I come in?”
At the sound of a muffled yes he
walked in. He sat down next to the lump under the blankets.
“Sweetie, can you come out?”
Kira’s popped her head out. Isaac
could see why Oliver was so worried. He could almost see completely through
her.
“Will I disappear forever?” she
asked.
“Not at all. This happens when
people try to hold back their gift. Have you been feeling any of the signs?”
Kira cried, “What if it’s lamest
gift ever and still have to grow up?” She buried her head against his side.
“Did you know I faded a little too
when I started feeling my gift? I won’t lie. There’s a lot that scared me about
growing up, but it’s worse keeping a part of yourself buried because you’re
afraid.” Isaac breathed out a flower and gave it to Kira. “Why don’t you try letting it out now? I’ll be
right here.”
“Can Pops be here too?”
Oliver poked his head into the room. “I was hoping you’d ask.”
Kira took a deep breath and blew out
a small golden orb that lit up the room.
“Light, like me,” Oliver said.
“Breath, like me,” Isaac said.
“But the glow is all mine,” Kira
said.
Liner notes for this Groove: Still going strong with the blackout project on my Instagram. This short fiction was based on a short poem I created from a page of my galley proof of my book, The Trouble with Wanting and Other Not Quite Faerie Tales. It's linked up with Poets United's Telling Tales with Magaly Guerrero.
Glow. Hidden glamour is folly.
The page came from Kindred Steel,
my latest Yuuki story
I’m enchanted by the interaction between the characters. Their closeness, their patience with each other, and their understanding leaves me all warm inside. And I absolutely love the fun bantering between the parents, which is made even more adorable (and admirable) by how they approach Kira’s worries. The ending? Yum! The same goes for the blackout—words and visual art! 😍
ReplyDeleteLOL, thanks, though I think in my attempts to bite off more than I could chew in a busy weekend I missed the mark somewhat. Still, it's a sweet story. I adore the characters and I enjoyed writing it.
Delete"Kira took a deep breath and blew out a small golden orb that lit up the room." Angel of a line. And what an end! Wish all troubles melt away like this. Great.
ReplyDeleteThat would be lovely, wouldn't it? Thanks Sumana.
DeleteI really like the interaction between the parents and Kira. They are good teachers of the way to live. I love the ending, and the beaming glow on Kira's face is palpable..
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderful teachers aren't they?
DeleteOh, how I adored this story. Her blowing out that golden orb........and she has much golden love from those amazing parents, so she will be all right! This was magical to read. I loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteWhat a delight! But now I want to know much, much more about this family.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll expand upon it at some point. :)
DeleteSuch a cool story Rommy! I love the dialogue and the message that flows in this. Also, love that song Winter, and your black out poetry looks lovely!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carrie. I've been trying to keep a lot of plates spinning this month, and though this story isn't *quite* right, I think it came out nicely.
DeleteKira? Where have I heard that name before? Ah yes the enchantment of the "Dark Crystal"
ReplyDeleteYou got me. I'm a Jim Henson fan.
DeleteOh, how I love to have people who help me shine. I didn't expect where this went when I started reading it, but I so love it. Love your art too.
ReplyDeleteThank you. LOL, this whole post, from artwork to words, was one big experiment. I'm glad it worked out mostly well.
DeleteI love this. It's not only magical but I love the blowing of glow as well as the non-traditional family depicted. Wonderful writing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Myrna
DeleteLoved the characters in the story, great write.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it
DeleteThis seems like a kernel of a new, longer short story? The characters shine!
ReplyDeleteI've had a couple of people tell me that. I'm thinking I ought to see what I can do with it. :)
DeleteThis is truly beautiful!!! Love the characters and the message!
ReplyDeleteThanks Stacey!
Delete