[Grace’s head turns, her cheek cradled by the long messy mass of wheat colored hair. Her lips part and a sleepy soft word is spoken.]
Papa…
[The word settles uncomfortably in the air between them, lingering as if it isn’t willing to get go. A sigh falls away from her lips while small fingers curl around the edge of her red cloak. She feels the weight of his stare, even in her dreams. Slowly her slumber falls away. Thick lashes part while light brown eyes slowly take in the small plainly decorated room. Her head turns towards Jefferson and for a moment she only sees a dream; her father, finally coming back home to be with her. She’d been so alone.
She wants to cry out, to hug him and hold him but something is wrong.]
Papa, why aren’t you smiling?
[Her voice is tired and sleepy. Grace hasn’t fully awaken and her mind quickly turns to catch up and register that the man in front of her is her father, that he’s here and that he’s finally found her.]
Papa?
[Grace whispers as her awareness rises, disbelief seeming into her voice. Another second brings a smile to her lips, wide and bright as she vaults off the couch.]
Papa!
[Her arms wrap around his center and she buries her head against his waist. Tears dot the corner of her eyes but she doesn’t care, she can hold him, smell the tea, dirt, must and mushrooms that linger on his clothing and skin.]
DORMITORIES
Papa…
[The word settles uncomfortably in the air between them, lingering as if it isn’t willing to get go. A sigh falls away from her lips while small fingers curl around the edge of her red cloak. She feels the weight of his stare, even in her dreams. Slowly her slumber falls away. Thick lashes part while light brown eyes slowly take in the small plainly decorated room. Her head turns towards Jefferson and for a moment she only sees a dream; her father, finally coming back home to be with her. She’d been so alone.
She wants to cry out, to hug him and hold him but something is wrong.]
Papa, why aren’t you smiling?
[Her voice is tired and sleepy. Grace hasn’t fully awaken and her mind quickly turns to catch up and register that the man in front of her is her father, that he’s here and that he’s finally found her.]
Papa?
[Grace whispers as her awareness rises, disbelief seeming into her voice. Another second brings a smile to her lips, wide and bright as she vaults off the couch.]
Papa!
[Her arms wrap around his center and she buries her head against his waist. Tears dot the corner of her eyes but she doesn’t care, she can hold him, smell the tea, dirt, must and mushrooms that linger on his clothing and skin.]