Tearful Dinner

Pietro: What happened to you today?

I turned to Pietro as we were walking.

"What are you talking about?"

Pietro: You skipped two periods.

"You can talk, you left thumb tacks on Mr. Banner's chair."

Pietro: Couldn't resist. He was boring us so much as if Science class wasn't boring enough already.

"You were just jealous weren't you?"

Pietro: (Mocking Mr. Banner) Oh Pietro, you're so stupid, you should see my son Bruce, he was able to prove the String Theory and he's just five. (Normal Voice) Give me a break Wanda.

"Alright alright."

...

"To be fair though he does get annoying when he talks about Bruce."

Pietro: Yeah.

I gave Pietro a side smile as we continued walking.

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We eventually reached the abandoned orphanage and we both went up to our rooms. I put on my house clothes, a big red hoodie and dark emerald sweatpants. I went down to the pantry to find only a few cans of canned food left for us. I got two, one for Pietro and I, and we ate.

Usually at dinner, we wouldn't talk. We would just eat. But tonight was different.

Pietro: What did she say to you this time?

I looked at Pietro and tried to play coy.

"What are you-"

Pietro: Wanda, I'm your brother. Talk to me.

I used the sleeves of my hoodie to wipe off some oil off my mouth. I leaned back on my wooden chair, thinking what to say.

"It was just Dolores."

Pietro: When is it never.

"She just said that..."

Pietro: That what?

I couldn't look at Pietro, so I looked at the opened can and played with it.

"Wouldn't it be nice? Wouldn't it be nice Pietro, if we just had a better life? Imagine that. Father and mother sitting here with us, watching movies all night, tucking us in, waking us up, bringing us to school, welcoming us home... watching us grow."

As I put the can down, a tear I've been holding back trickled down my eye. Pietro leaned forward and gently held my hand, and looked at me.

Pietro: Wanda, everything will be fine.

"No it won't. Fine is us not being alone. Fine is our Mom and our Dad with us right now Pietro, right here right now! WELL WHERE ARE THEY?"

I just started crying. I buried my face in my arms as I cried. I felt as Pietro slowly strokes my hair, comforting me. I looked up to him.

Pietro: Yes Wanda, they aren't here physically with us, but in here, they are.

Pietro put his hand on his heart, his other hand still gently stroking my hand.

Pietro: And if Mom was here with us today Wanda, I'm sure that she would be so proud of the person you are.

I wiped the tear off my face, and looked at Pietro as I slowly smiled. We both smiled, happy with just to be with the other, my brother, her sister, and we both went back to our food.

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