An answer to my friend Sue, who challenged me to write a drabble about Kathryn's first sunday dinner at home.
Thanks to Lise for the wonderful beta!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Star Trek (though I wish) and I make not money with this.
Coming Home
Kathryn stepped out onto the verandah and pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders. The air was clear and crisp; the sky grey and heavy with clouds. She was sure snow would finally fall tonight.
The door opened and closed behind her and Kathryn could hear the happy chatter of her family, the friendly 'chink' of plates and cutlery, and the scrape of chairs as they cleared the used dishes from the table. It was music to her ears.
She'd missed her family so much.
A figure came to a halt next to her and they stood in silence for some moments, enjoying the quietness of the scenery around them.
"Aunt Martha hasn't changed in all these years," Kathryn finally stated with a chuckle.
"I know; she seems rather disappointed that you didn't make the time to marry and have children while you were out there," Phoebe laughed.
"Yes, seems so," her older sister agreed, though her voice seemed to have lost some of its joyfulness that she'd felt from only moments before.
"Are you all right?" Phoebe asked, watching her sister from her place by her side. Kathryn had been unnaturally quiet at dinner. Yes, she'd talked and she'd laughed, but her eyes hadn't shone and her face hadn't lit up, as it should have done.
Kathryn didn't answer her at once, but kept gazing steadily ahead.
Suddenly a male figure could be seen in the distance. His shoulders hunched because of the cold as he gradually made his way towards them. His dark hair was clearly visible and a bag was slung over his shoulder.
"No," Kathryn finally said, a gentle smile grazing her lips. "But I will be soon." And her eyes shone and her face lit up as she made her way to the front gate.
The end
2009-09-02