This December

[Maraoone]

((Four arms wrapped around June.))

"..."

"Baby I missed you so much."

"..."

"We were so worried for you."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"Junebug?"

"..."

"Honey she's tired. Give her some time."

Inaudible words whispered from one to the other. Creased eyebrows.

One nodded at the other. One pair of arms, hairy, thick, let go, the other, mix of perfume and cooking oil, smooth, remained.

The free pair of arms moved off to the side. There was rustling. They came back into view, presented a box.

"We got you something, June."

"..."

"..."

"...my arm hurts. Can you open it for me, please?"

"Of course, baby."

In the dim light, the room only barely lit by bulbs from the exterior hallway, the pattern of the wrapping couldn't be discerned.

The hairy pair of arms ripped through it anyways.

In the cardboard box was an apron with another unrecognizable pattern.

"Kittens," the softer voice explained. "You- they were selling it at that emporium we passed by, a few days before you left."

"..."

"You said it looked really cute."

"..."

"..."

"How are Mr. and Mrs. Parth?"

"...June."

Her hands picked up the apron. Balled it up, pulled it close to her chest.

She'd wanted it as a gift.

"Tell them I'm sorry. Please."

"..."

Two hairy arms coiled around her again. The softer arms around her tightened.

She couldn't breathe.

"Can you- can you just leave me alone for a bit?"

"...okay, honey. If you wish."

The arms let go of her.

Her dad opened the door for her mom. She stepped out first, then he. Dad disappeared behind the wall. Mom paused for a moment. As if she wanted to say something more. And then she too disappeared.

Red and green lights, lined along the hallway ceiling, peeked from behind the door. They shone for only a moment before the door closed. leaving June in the winter dark.

((June Madison continues in First Mover Advantage))