Someone choose who's left and who's leaving

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

*The boxes are ready. Bernadette Crouch has avoided looking at them. Instead, she stares into the face just as freckled, waxen and thin as her own, half-smiling. She's had Winky prepare one of her son's favourites - cucumber sandwiches - a small platter of tiny squares arranged in an artful swirl. She has soup, which she's always found easier to ladle around and neglect without raising her son's concern, without reminding him of her systematic absence. She just wants to enjoy the spectacularly rare moment when she is vibrant enough and Barty still enough for them to enjoy a peaceful meal.

She fiddles with a cracker, lank straw hair falling over her shoulders. She's quiet, not out of lack of conversation, but simply because she enjoys listening to her son babble on, something he's remarkably good at.*

Comments

[mad-actually.livejournal.com]

No, being impressed is too happy for him. He'd explode.

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

It's been a while since you've invited him to visit. When you were growing up it was nice to see you having fun with a friend.

[mad-actually.livejournal.com]

*Barty eyes his boxes, before turning his gaze back to his mother.*

I think it's too late to invite him again.

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

There will be plenty of opportunities, just... somewhere all your own.

You won't be a stranger, will you?

[mad-actually.livejournal.com]

Only strange. No er.

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

Your father wants to see you grow up, it doesn't mean he wants you gone. We'll always be a family.

[mad-actually.livejournal.com]

*Barty's smile falters considerably.*

Of course he does.

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

Noo... He wants to see you happy and successful, we both do. He just doesn't say it quite right sometimes.

[mad-actually.livejournal.com]

I dunno. He's rather good at speaking.

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

He has a hard time talking about some things, but he wants you in his life after you go out on your own, just like I do.

[mad-actually.livejournal.com]

If you say so.

[consumptivewife.livejournal.com]

Do you want some soup too?