Faithful Nest

“You speak like you’ve never met him.”

“I haven’t.”

“But, … that’s not true! We grew up together and you were so, … so, … in love! I remember-”  Amber pleaded.

“Hah. I was foolish. That was not love. He would have to be human, be alive, to be in love.”

“He is!”

“He isn’t!” Cheri turned to leave.

“You talk like He isn’t in the room. You are ignoring him. Please don’t turn away. If you ask, look for him, he will respond.”

She spun back for a final retort. Instead, Cheri froze. As a frown drifted across her forehead, she quieted, “Amber, what is it? Why are you crying? We’ve had this conversation before.”

“We have. I am so afraid for you. I talk to him every day. I promised myself I’d never reveal that, but you have grown so cold, so foreign.. I don’t know what else to say. I’m sorry. There is nothing else to say. I feel like a broken record. I can’t stand to see you become someone I don’t know.”

“Every day?”

“At least. Even now.”

“Now? Wait, foreign?”

“There is a coldness that surrounds you, a harshness in your voice, a distance I cannot cross. But this isn’t about me. It’s about you – and him.”

“He abandoned me. My dad died and he just stood back and let it all happen.” Cheri whispered.

“Oh, Cheri, no.”

“Oh, yes.”

“I think… I think if you sit down and talk to him, you will find the truth. You must find the truth.”

Amber grabbed Cheri’s hands, cupping them in her own, and slid to her knees, Cheri following slowly.  “Please be with us. Help Cheri to see, to understand, what really happened to her dad.”

She could feel Cheri’s hands begin to shake as she heard her voice, “Please. Please help me understand.” “Oh!” Cheri’s eyes snapped open and surprise raised her eyebrows. “Amber, I get it! My dad-“ She blinked in awe, “My dad would have suffered so much. I’ve been so selfish.”