t h r e e

[changethings]

[ Man, is she glad that she not once wished for anything since getting here. And this? It's only making her belief that wishing for things is not a good idea grow. Magic always comes with a price, right? ]

I wasn't keen on the whole wishing thing to begin with, but after this? I'm definitely not making any wishes. [ She says this now. But if Henry was in trouble? She'd likely break her word in a heartbeat. ]

--Ah shit. [ Chicken soup, it is serious business. Especially when you're making it for your ill kid. And boiling soup is not at all kind to her fingers or mouth. Stupid soup.

But hey, she is doing pretty good for someone who hardly cooks. Never mind that the kitchenette of her and Henry's room is a little messy. ]

Comments

[fantasies]

Uh... [MOM....] So, I don't actually have to eat that, right?

[changethings]

[ THIS IS TERRIBLE. THIS IS SO... TERRIBLE. ]

No, no you don't. [ She'll just... put the pot in the sink and grab the bag that is sitting on the counter. ]

I've got a plan b.

[fantasies]

What's plan b...?

[He sounds very, very, very unconvinced.]

[changethings]

Mini-burgers! [ Taa-daa! ]

[fantasies]

Yes! [And he has a sudden BURST OF ENERGY to sit up and reach for them.] That's way better.

[changethings]

Thought you'd like them. [ Putting them on a plate she heads over to the bed and hangs them over. ]

[fantasies]

[He pulls the plate into his lap and digs in. Like, for real. He was hungry.

With his mouth full:]

Where'd you get them?

[changethings]

Downstairs, at a place called the Lux. It's no Granny's Diner but it'll do.

[fantasies]

[He swallows hard and goes for the next bite.]

No place is like Granny's.

But this is pretty okay.

[Way more than okay going by his rate of eating, though.]

[changethings]

Glad you like it.

[ She reaches over and ruffles his hair a little. ]

[fantasies]

[And, see, this makes being sick kind of okay.]

Did you eat already?

[changethings]

Yeah, I already ate. Don't worry about me.

[fantasies]

Okay. If you say so.

[Because he's not sharing. Om nom nom.]