48. Toys

Proserpina

Following Lucien's shift to the townhouse, we continued our routine. It was alright, but Jeannie made me think of something else altogether.

On one of our frequent video calls, she chatted as I moved about the kitchen, preparing dinner. That night, it was pasta. The kids rushed in and out, playing, shouting, and screaming.

Out of the blue, she said,

"Hey kid, don't you want to do something other than potter around in the kitchen and bring up your kids?'

I looked up, frowning.

"Like what?' I said it blankly.

She snorted in disgust.

"Study, you moron!' she said derisively.'You were always so gung ho about that!' and then she added in a different tone, "Until that gangster took over your life.'

I turned away, ostensibly to keep the bowl on the counter. But I wanted to hide the bitterness that would be exposed on my face.

Jeannie knew me too well not to understand my feelings.

Turning, I pinned a bright smile on my face and said breezily,

'Nah. That's done with.'

I got her talk