cherry wine

 ❝ It’s.. No, it’s not a commute. It’s like– I live where I work. And when       I’m not working, I stay in Three. At least… That’s what they told me..       I couldn’t.. I can’t stay in the Capitol anymore. It’s just…. Well. You       know. ❞

  “So you’re staying here then? I suppose nearby... I mean if you    knew how to find me. No, I understand. I couldn’t either. I - I    haven’t gone back at all. There’s nothing there for me anymore.    My life is here. Maybe... maybe you’ll find a life here. Or in three.”

  “This little one is going to give Elda a run for her money then.”

   “I hope you don’t mean ice cream on a grilled cheese.

   “She might but Elda will be a good big sister. She’s already     trying to take care of us and she’s not even two years old.”

   “You’ve been infected with a disease called babyitus.       It ruins your appetite, sleep patterns, and your husband’s      ego for about nine months.”

  “Oh...oh! Oh my goodness! We’re... you’re right! We’re    having another baby!”

  He cracked a smile at the kiss on his cheek,   taking her hand gently.

    “There’s nothing wrong with you, you’re pregnant.”

    The words didn’t process at first. Her eyes narrowed as     she stared at him in confusion. 

             “I’m what?” 

  He let out a heavy sigh, reading her response   between the lines. She didn’t like it. Taking the   spoon, he set it aside. 

      “I’ll make something else.”

  Her heart fell in her chest, hating that she disappointed   him when he had tried so hard. Resting her hand on his   arm, she leaned up to kiss his cheek in apology.

     “I’m really sorry, Kolton. I don’t know what’s       wrong with me.” 

 ❝ Yeah, it’s totally, uh.. It’s okay with me. I’m fine. I’m cool. I.. I thought       about it, actually. I’m just.. I’m gonna stay in Three. My mum and dad’s       home was still… It’s still intact. I’m just gonna stay there. Travel from       there and such. The Capitol, it’s.. There’s too many…. ❞

           Falco trailed off as he was pulled back into some of the only memories he could pull up of the Capitol. They were all bad.

      “Isn’t that a long commute? I mean, you shouldn’t have to stay in the Capitol        but if you’re working here... doesn’t it take you a long time to get here? I        know the trains are quick but it’s still quite a distance. I love it here, I’m sure        you.. I mean you could if you wanted to.” 

  Taking the spoon from her, he tasted the dish before   scooping up some more and holding it out for her.

      “It tastes great to me”

   Kolton had made this dish for her a few times and each time it had    been delicious. She had no idea what could be going wrong for it    now. The taste was bitter and strange on her tongue, making her    nose scrunch up with distaste.

       “It’s… nice. Elda will like it.”

   “Maybe you should taste test it, then. To make sure it just     smells bad and doesn’t taste bad, too.”

            “Okay, I can do... Maybe you should go first because it              could just be me.” 

   Taking a spoon from the draw, she came to Kolton’s side and    took a deep breath.

          “Huh. It smells fine now.”

  “Sour, it’s not supposed to be sour. There goes my plans    for dessert. Maybe I shouldn’t be cooking. I’m apparently    shit at it.”

      “No, no, please don’t say that. I love your cooking! I eat it        all the time. My stomach is just being funny. I’m sorry.        I’m sure it tastes wonderful even if my nose is disagreeing        with me.” 

    “Yes, I’m sure, completely sure. …I think.”

   “You don’t sound sure. It smells sour? I don’t know, I think     I’m smelling things. I gagged at the idea of strawberries     this morning.”

 ❝ No, no! I mean– yes. Yes to you should– well, can talk to me. No to       my.. Just– don’t go. I’m.. I’m alright. I’m…. I’m okay. Well. That is to       say as okay as.. I can be. I guess. I’m actually not quite sure… Sorry,       too much.. Too much. Uhh.. Oh. Oh, I– okay, you should go. Yeah,       go. Uh, sorry. ❞

           He babbled all the while scratching his head.

 ❝ Uhm. Well. Uh, funny thing. They, uh.. They need someone to, uh.. To       look at their security system here. I’m.. I’m that someone. ❞

 “Oh”

❝ Right. You are probably right. ❞