A Life Lived in Hundreds

by Botched Lobotomy

1367

It had been a naughty trick, and she was a naughty filly.
‘What do you say.’ Pa looked sternly down his nose at her.
She said nothing.
‘Smith.’
She said nothing.
‘Smith.’
A burst of pain across her face, like a rip of scalding water. For a moment, blackness. She felt tears threaten at the corners of her eyes, and turned back to him slowly. ‘Sorry,’ she muttered.
‘Sorry what.’
‘Sorry, Apple Rose.’
Apple Rose looked stricken. ‘I, uh...’
They exchanged a small hug, and after dinner, Pa kissed them both and, quietly, hoped she always knew he loved her.

Comments

[Bicyclette]

and this brings to mind the chapter with the tree root and the tripping and augh. the sad authenticity in Pa's way of doing caring, loving parenting here. hard to imagine it being taken in the same context now, but very easy for then