Dust Bunnies and Dirty Clothes

by Steadfast Hoof


Communication

Prompt: Communication



‘I think he’d probably be pissed at me. I mean yea I’m excusing myself for work, but really, that’s all it is, an excuse.’

The heat is uncomfortable, but I don’t really feel it as I shift the metal in the enchanted coke forge.

‘Shoot, it’s uneven.’

A flick of my left ear sends a signal through my earing. The forge whooshes as more oxygen is pumped into it.

I sigh, shifting the metal a little more. ‘jerkbag really had to go and do that?’

It’s almost time. I can feel it. My eyes burn, even behind my thick goggles. Still I stare into the flames watching the glowing steel.

‘…I just don’t know what to say to them… that cheesy consoling crap just, doesn’t seem, right. At least not for them.’ I grab for the tongs, not bothering to look as I grope through them before pulling one. I glance it over, making sure it’s right, then I secure the cool end of the rod.

Control, Accuracy, Rhythm. Those words fly through my head as I eye the forge, not taking out the rod. I pick a wide square headed hammer. ‘…I just don’t know…’

My goggles fog and I blame the smoke. My ears ring as my strikes start, eratic, wide, and wild. I pound the molten clay, but my brother stays dead. Figures. Steam erupts as I toss the metal into the water barrel, tongs included.

I leave my hammer on the anvil and start droping my safety equipment. The outdoor air is sensual as it hits my skin. I make my way back home, set on saying something, anything to help. A bitter smile crawls across my face as I think back to before. ‘I should at least try..,’