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“I just—”
“I know. You don’t have to say it.”
“… I just don’t want you to end up dying all alone.” That was not what I was expecting to come out of her mouth.
She starts tearing up a bit.
“What makes you say that?”
“I’ve never seen your eyes light up the way they do when you look at Mae… Well, not since Anna left. It’s been years, but the mention of her name still makes you look like you’re fighting against some sort of rage. And I know your constant chase for monetary gain is some kind of coping mechanism. But it’s okay to just let go, stop looking for your next big paycheck, and just have a little bit of fun once in a while.”
“I have fun.”
“Oh, yeah? Like what?”
“You know I’ve been painting again.”
“Right, and how has it been going?”
“Good, actually.” I lead her over to a closet and take out the most recent canvas I worked on.
“It’s really beautiful, Dean,” Coral says, admiring it. It’s here, right?” she asks.
“Yeah.”
We go over to the window, and I hold my art up to show her the part of Mae’s yard I worked off of.
“See? This place inspires you!”
I roll my eyes.
“Don’t give me that. I’m just saying—”
“What’s for lunch?” Dylan asks, after gracing us with his gloomy presence.
I put the painting away and go over to the kitchen.
“We have the leftovers that you didn’t want to eat for breakfast.”
He shrugs. “Okay.”
“What about for us?” Coral asks.
“I didn’t really think about that when I was at the market this morning. Guess you could say I’ve been distracted.”
She rolls her eyes at me just like Dylan does, but rummages around and then makes the same determination I knew she would.
“Never mind. You’re right. There’s nothing.”
“Let me get him all situated and then I’ll go back to the store.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. We should really stock up anyway. It doesn’t seem like the storm is going to break anytime soon.”
“Okay.”
I put his food in the microwave to heat up again.
