I work for multiple hours, taking a quick break for lunch before getting back to work. I work the front counter until closing time, where I help clean up and lock up. Outside the building, Christos hands me a paper bag. “What’s this?” I ask. “Some bread, and some donuts. Your favorites.” He says, and winks at me. I smile gratefully and thank him, before waving to him and beginning to walk home. It’s about a fifteen minute walk, and it gives me time to plan what I’m going to say to Nate, and Mom if she’s there. I don’t know what I’m going to say, really. Probably just do my best to explain how I’m feeling, and if Mom’s there, why I wish she wouldn’t do this anymore.When I reach home, I sit down outside the tent for a while. And… after about a half an hour, Mom shows up. She’s stumbling, obviously drvnk, and I have to jump up to keep her from falling over. “Mom!” I say, catching her before she can fall. “Ah,m-my darliingg. How aree you?” She asks, leaning on me for support. “Mom, now’s not the time for this. C’mon inside.” I lead Mom inside, where Nate is pacing. “Wait, Tris. What’s happening?” He asks, coming over to Mom’s other side to help me lead her to her cot. We lay her down and get her situated, and she falls asleep. “Natrissa Dahlia Adams. What’s going on?” Nate asks, glaring at me. This really makes me mad though, and I know I’m about to lose my temper. “How should I know Nathaniel?! I was sitting outside and Mom came stumbling up! She’s obviously drvnk, Nathaniel. And we both know that’s not my fault.” Nate sighs, then sits down on one of our stools. “I’m sorry, Tris. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. This isn’t your fault.” I sigh as well, and just sit down on the floor of the tent. “I’m sorry too, Nate. I’m just… frustrated.” I put my head in my hands. Nate comes over and sits on the ground beside me, putting his arm around my waist. “I know, Tris. I know.” I lay my head over on his shoulder, and he sets his head on top of mine. Nate starts humming a gentle tune, and exhaustion starts to fall on me. I’ve been up since 4:30 in the morning until now, at 7:00 in the evening. I slowly drift off to sleep, Nate’s humming lulling me there.
Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Piiings @the_mighty_bunny @NiVillain @happy-lemur82
