A family is a risky venture, because the greater the love, the greater the loss... That's the trade-off. But I'll take it all.
Seeing Ash walk into the room with trays of food, Wynnie had no sinister premonitions about the day. It seemed like just another monday, innocent except for its essential tediousness, not to mention its vastness. It was cold, and a pinkish blue pale light peeked through the fringe of the trees now--in the summer the sun rose around 6:30--it was lovely. The pink baby breath sky and the early hour conspired to paint the ranch heavenly, like a tintgraph photograph, all jewel pink and even blue. Out on the ranch the youthful strips of grass tangoed in the supernatural breeze. The air in Laini was more crisp than the coastal waters of Ghoul and cleaner than the peeks of the Seven Saint Sisters mountains. However, the winds were usually more subtle, rocking the grass in a crib of gales. Odd how strong the breeze was this morning, Wynnie thought as she sat on the edge of her Grandparents bed.
Central heating and wood and amber lamplights, Ashs own footsteps and the feathers of steam curling into the air from their breakfest made Wynnies stomach growl. Her Popi and Teama burst into laughter after her stomachs howl. Blushing profusely, she arose from her seat and propped up her Grandparents pillows, and her mind wandered adrift in saddening thoughts. The occassional nibble of axiety when a pang of heartache intruded, as pangs of heartache will, but she pushed them aside, resolute, ready to be done with that. She fluffed her TeaMa's pillow one more time before she clutched her coat close to her. It was a barbie pink petticoat with white balls of fur stitched to the buttons and hem of her collar--it'd make any barbie doll jealous and put to shame. Her wavy hair was loose, short, and the color of kindled chestnuts. It shaped her pouting, apple cheeks perfectly.
Just another day.
And then.
Her TeaMa keeled over, scraggling for something to cling onto, someone, anything to intercede her bodies impact, not happily by her own accord, unite with the floor.
"TEAMA!" Wynnies hands flung out. TeaMa trembled. Just barely did Wynnie catch her frail TeaMa in time. That pang of heartache struck a din within her again. TeaMa felt lighter than she did a couple years ago. With extreme care Wynnie laid her back down, her lips chugged to keep up with her brain, but the adrenaline geared her into overdrive. Popi scooted to TeaMa's side, sweeping her up into his arms. TeaMa rocked back and forth.
And then.
"Gotcha!" TeaMa gripped her husbands arms around her, kackling like an old witch, brewing this haze full of sparks into the air.
"I thought you were dying Tracy!" Popi shoved her to the side, his face more hot and twisted of red wrinkled shades than Mars. Her own face reflected Popi's.
"That wasn't funny TeaMa." Wynnies voice was cold, torrid and cut like the breeze outside. Time was timed, each second ticking away. Time flies over everyone, but leaves its shadow behind. How did it get so late so soon? Before someone knows it, it's night before its afternoon. December comes before it's June. Time is the most valuable thing on earth: time to think, time to act, time to extend our fraternal relations, time to become better men, time to become better women, time to become better and more independent citizens. Time is all Wynnie thinks about, especially how much time she has with her Grandparents. Those seasoned coons turned 101 this year. Popi wasn't kidding when he said they were past their expiration dates.
"I was only kidding, Honey. Don't be such a girl." she swatted the air. Popi grumbled. "I am going to live plenty more years to bother you three, don't worry! Good morning, Ash. " TeaMa chimed.
The chill of a foreshadowing tremble made Wynnie speak up, rubbing her arms, "Morning Ash," Wynnie ignored it, assuming it was just the odd cold breeze biting her looney. Immediantly, Wynnie brightened at the sight of her Spirit. There was something about Ash that made Wynnie feel safe. Just like the way fire dances inside a fireplace.