08-27-2014, 12:02 PM
Aria wasn't kidding as Victor's wife and mother showed up to look at him. In truth, it was a bit embarrassing, both for him and for Aria, he could tell. But it was what it was. He laughed when she said "Told you. Big deal."
"I guess, sheesh."
But it was ok. They talked of simple things mostly, the few memories from growing up that could legitimately be called good or happy. As they spoke, Marco brought the food out and Aria bantered with him about his boyfriend. When he left, Lucas dug into his lasagna and it was as good as he expected it to be. And to his strange relief, Aria looked like she was genuinely enjoying her food, almost as if it was special. He smiled at her. "I am really glad you are enjoying your food."
She wouldn't know what he meant but that was ok.
They returned to their reminiscences and continued to talk. As they did, it struck him as very human it was that they could adjust to almost any situation and then, however rarely, find moments of happiness or joy in those circumstances. Those moments didn't last long at all, of course. But somehow, those brief instances, however rare, had been enough to keep him sane. And very likely, her too. Those experiences were like way points, enough to get you through to the next. You still sunk in the morass and filth and were mostly losing. But those moments pulled you out long enough to gain your sanity and try again.
He wondered what effect never having them would have. Or maybe being the kind of person who never experienced good no matter what. Such people could grow up to be callous selfish people. Or even much much worse.
They finished their meal and sat contentedly. He was full. "I'm going to have to hit the gym tomorrow to work this off. But it was so good. Definitely worth it."
He looked at her. "I had a lot of fun. I am really glad you called me. It means a lot that you trusted me."
"I guess, sheesh."
But it was ok. They talked of simple things mostly, the few memories from growing up that could legitimately be called good or happy. As they spoke, Marco brought the food out and Aria bantered with him about his boyfriend. When he left, Lucas dug into his lasagna and it was as good as he expected it to be. And to his strange relief, Aria looked like she was genuinely enjoying her food, almost as if it was special. He smiled at her. "I am really glad you are enjoying your food."
She wouldn't know what he meant but that was ok.
They returned to their reminiscences and continued to talk. As they did, it struck him as very human it was that they could adjust to almost any situation and then, however rarely, find moments of happiness or joy in those circumstances. Those moments didn't last long at all, of course. But somehow, those brief instances, however rare, had been enough to keep him sane. And very likely, her too. Those experiences were like way points, enough to get you through to the next. You still sunk in the morass and filth and were mostly losing. But those moments pulled you out long enough to gain your sanity and try again.
He wondered what effect never having them would have. Or maybe being the kind of person who never experienced good no matter what. Such people could grow up to be callous selfish people. Or even much much worse.
They finished their meal and sat contentedly. He was full. "I'm going to have to hit the gym tomorrow to work this off. But it was so good. Definitely worth it."
He looked at her. "I had a lot of fun. I am really glad you called me. It means a lot that you trusted me."