“It’s a maybe.”
“Why?!”
“Because hopefully, I’ll be needed in the city. As it stands, I’ll be back tonight.”
“Do you take Thanksgiving off?”
“Before now, I never took any vacation time, but things are different.”
“You have a wife.”
“I do.”
“And she needs to see her husband on holidays.”
I cup her cheek. “Our life will never follow a regular pattern. You’re the child of a Pakhan. You know I can make you no promises, but I swear to you—I’ll prioritize holidays as much as I can. If I don’t show up, it’s because it’s an emergency. Do you understand?”
Eyes softer than the warm jam she made just for me, she cups my wrist, turns her cheek into my hand, and kisses my palm. “Iunderstand.” The softness retreats. Impishness replaces it. “For you, I’ll learn to enjoy hockey.”
I snicker. “If you’re going to make me watch it with Seamus, then damn straight you’ll learn to enjoy it.”
The sacrifice is worth it to watch her happily bounce around the kitchen. Charlie, seeming to sense that he’s in less danger—oh, the irony—by my feet, plops his head on my toes as we both watch his mistress serve herself some breakfast.
Her talents might say otherwise, but I know my wife isn’t a natural in here. This isn’t her place. She’s meant for more. In all honesty, I know she’s meant for a better man than me…
My jaw works at the thought, but I recognize the truth when it slaps me in the face.
When Wynter calls, she puts her cell on speaker and they discuss their plans for a study session after classes later.
With her distracted, I drop some pancake in front of Charlie and, in Latgalian, rumble, “We’ll just have to make sure that we treat her like the queen she is so she forgets that both of us are mutts.”
Even that won’t be enough.
But it’s a start.
FIFTY
WHAT A WORDSMITH
Choosingto ignore Professor Langton because if I have to listen to one more fetishized retelling of Nietzsche’s work I’ll scream, I scroll through my socials.
And that’s where I spot it.
Tragic End For Oakwood Student
By
Morgan Neige
Darius Harrington Jr., beloved son, respectable student and friend to some, was found dead at a charity auction held at Mt. Palisades Country Club.
First responders were called to the scene where, according to the member of staff who discovered Mr. Harrington drowning in the pool after a binge-drinking session that went horribly wrong, he was pronounced unresponsive and rushed to the hospital.
An autopsy will take place in the coming days which will hopefully provide his parents with some insight into his passing.
While the administration have shared little about Mr. Harrington’s circumstances, his many absences since the semester started has caused concern with the professors I spoke to. Allegedly, he had a drinking problem which might tie into the cause of death.
The family has yet to release a statement but, for those few affected by his loss, there’ll be a vigil held on the quad on Wednesday at 7 PM. Candles will be provided to those who attend.
