The clash of perspectives

"I think it's time for a change"

Breaking through the silence Gertrude states as she is lighting a candle in the middle of the table while they eat.

"What sort of change do you have in mind?"

Slowly responding, Bethany believing she is ready for whatever she is to say next.

Gertrude stands up and heads for the seat next to hers and slowly sits down resting her left arm on Bethany's chair.

"I have a friend who has offered us an acre of land south of here, and it's a reasonable price. There is a great school nearby and it could give you a chance to make friends.... I think it's time for a fresh start for the both of us."

"I don't want to leave I have friends, the guy upstairs is my friend!"

"Bethany what are you talking about there is no one upstairs, are you alright sweetie"

Trying to check her temperature, however is pushed out of the way. Bethany gestures for Gertrude to follow.

WHAT!! She is lying I obviously met someone upstairs, I definitely can't imagine the things we have shared together and the fun memories can't be fake. I won't let them be.

"Why won't you believe me"

She starts bellowing with a hint of pleading in her voice

"These delusions have gone far enough; I don't mind you having an imaginary friend but stop trying to pull me into this realm of nonsense and fruitless enjoyment"

Only the swallowed sobs could be heard bouncing off the empty walls as neither dared to speak; Gertrude takes her leave as Bethany continues to silently cry.

He is not imaginary, nor am I insane! I know up from down, and I certainly know imaginary from real.

The bright morning broke over a still house as both parties stayed far out of each other's way. Bethany absentmindedly found herself walking outside through the barren and dismal land that was to her saddening her home.

Scouring the dirt terrain for any spec of color; she saw a glint just a foot away from herself. She picked the object up and on closer inspection she realized it was a faded bottle cap that had been mangled and was barely recognizable as a brand. Moving through her hands back and forth she begins to cry; comparing herself to this cap once perfectly sculpted and full of color, now twisted and down trodden. Pocketing the unexpected treasure and decidedly heads back to the house feeling as if she found a perch to rest her emotions on.