Lorianna and Bryce were toasty by the fireplace. Lorianna had tea and Bryce had water. Bryce thought about his conversation with Penelope, but not too much. He didn’t. Even if it was.
It was like wasted time and space until the real thing. Bryce was a big dumb idiot and had himself. So he was always directions. he was wild man, stoically, it is safe, he still is, a bit less. But he chooses his valiant. So he stays put. Stays warm by the fire, and burn down by complete nightfall.
“Bryce. had time with you at the restaurant.”
“Yeah.” Bryce reclined. Staring at the crackling fire.
“What did you guys talk about? forever familiarly distant.
“Oh, I don’t know. stuff. About stuff.”
“Hmm.” Lorianna got suspicious. “Isn’t that a bit weird for her”
“I guess so yeah. But it was about parasites or viruses or something. It was funny if you ask me. actually bright coming from that household over there. Who’s counting?”
“Men are parasites Bryce. You know they are. every one of them except you, that’s why we’re together, you know.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. I’m the real deal, then you had to find out for yourself, I had to suffer, then you eventually came back. Glad you’re here.”
“You wish. Speaking of, have you seen happy about us?”
“Good question.” Bryce got up from his recliner, kicking the feet back in.
No response.
“It’s getting to be too late to be doing this. This is rubbish Lor.”
“I’ll call.”
“I just tried that.”
“dimwit.”
“Oh yeah.”
Bryce soon after went upstairs and didn’t worry about anything. Though he maybe should have. and can be unpredictable at times. Thankfully, in the day.
“come inside. Tell your good night, big day tomorrow.”
“What have we got to do tomorrow?”
“Look, every day is a big day. Just get inside.”
“One sec.” “Thank you for walking me home. It means a lot. And you’re nothing though.
“You’re welcome, will I see you again?”
“Yeah.” “I’m sure you will.” Then from the steps and got on with the night.
nothing. felt nothing.
Short Stories