Day 25: First Dance

She's the Pillar of Our Home

"Damn thing. It never gets the reception I want," Bob huffed, smacking the radio.

"C'mon, Bobby, you just have to tune it right," Helmut said, still fiddling with the antenna. As static crackled through the airwaves, he twisted it back and forth, getting nowhere fast. "Uh, hold on, I swear it'll work if I - no, this way is busted, too. Maybe you were right. Try swatting it again."

While Bob gently punched the radio, Otto watched from the window in the warm confines of his lab. A smirk etched into his cheek. It was the middle of fall with the leaves in various hues of red and orange, and the quaint group of psychics was celebrating their first autumn together. It was a sudden party ideated by Lucrecia, who had gathered everything herself. From the streamers in the trees, to the tables decorated with fine linen and silverware exported from Grulovia, to the food on the grill currently commandeered by Ford, she gave it her all to set up the lively event.

Otto was one for parties, but he had taken a short reprieve. If the dull headache in the back of his brain hadn't formed, he would've continued harassing Ford over his culinary skills. With the lights turned low, and the pleasant setting sunlight streaming through his window, Otto sighed. He focused on his friends. Bob and Helmut continued fussing over the radio, sharp, awkwardly pitched music creaking through the speakers. By the forest's edge, Compton and Cassie danced regardless of the song, critters coming and going around them.

But to his surprise, Lucrecia was not among them. He thought she would've taken his place teasing Ford, but it seemed she had gone missing. Tilting his head, Otto readjusted his coat only for a knocking on the door to catch his attention.

Lucrecia smiled at him, running her fingers through her shawl. "Is your headache still upsetting you?"

He tapped his temple. "Aspirin's just kicking in, but I'm feeling better already." He stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Sorry for running out on such a lovely event."

"The party is still going strong, Otto," Lucrecia playfully chided. She strode over to him, her heavy dress dragging behind her. "Who are you staring at?"

"Everyone, really," Otto admitted, gesturing vaguely.

Otto's attention fell back on Ford. He was scratching his head and mumbling to himself. The spatula, now lukewarm, was itching through his scalp as he held up his hand, seemingly unsure of why the burger patties weren't ready. Otto whispered that the coals had gone cold, an ignorant Ford shuffling around the grill and kicking it as Helmut rapped his fist against the radio.

Snickering, she whispered, "He's a bit stuck in his ways, isn't he?"

He smirked. "Hey, you're the one in love with the fool."

She laughed. "Otto, Ford is only a little, hm, narrow-minded. His stubbornness is both a blessing and a curse."

"And I suppose this is a cursed situation? Because I can't see anything blessed about it."

Another giggle slipped out of her. "It is, indeed, cursed."

Lucrecia was a kind woman. She was the type of person who put others before herself. She had her own desires, but for what it was worth, she gave every ounce of herself to the group. She was a source of unity for everyone, gathering around Lucrecia as if she was the sun. And when she weaved the water, commanding the stream or rain, she was a striking figure of pure psychic potential, a fascinating, scientific partner in Otto's eyes.

But when he noticed her lingering on the radio, he hummed. "Ah, I see," he piped up.

She was quick to stare at him. "What?"

"Upset with the crackling radio?" He gently elbowed her. "Hoping to get the first dance tonight with Ford?"

"How did you-?" When Otto tapped his temple again, she scoffed. "Oh, I need to work on my mental defenses. Thanks for the sudden reminder."

As he laughed, Cassie and Compton wandered over to Helmut and Bob. They took turns trying to fix the radio, even though, as Otto muttered to Lucrecia, there were other sources of entertainment. They could've turned on a television or taken another radio out, but they were fixated on that single device. Lucrecia snickered into her hand, Ford uttering a confused cry as the patties refused to burn, cementing their mutual obstinacy.

"You know, I am very happy here," Lucrecia suddenly said, smiling at Otto. "Thank you for helping me come here, Otto."

He looked at her, the corners of his lips lifting. She glowed, as pretty and mysterious as the setting sun. He was glad to call her his friend, and he patted her shoulder.

"I think this place wouldn't be as fun to call home without you, Lucy."

"'Home.'" She closed her eyes. "Yes. This is my home. I have no other home than here."

"Ah! There we go!" Helmut shouted, a psychedelic groove playing from the radio. "Oh, I love this song! Dance with me, Bobby!"

Lucrecia sprung to life, beaming at Otto, and he nodded for her to go. She dashed Ford, who grumbled and scratched through his graying hair. She seized his sleeve, the drums kicking into overdrive, a sharp guitar riff taking to the heavens. As Helmut took Bob by the waist, Cassie spinning Compton in mid-air, Lucrecia exclaimed for Ford to dance with her.

"B-but the burgers-! Ya can't have a party without good burgers!" he cried, Lucrecia and Otto exchanging a disbelieving glance.

Otto rolled his eyes and snatched the spatula out of his hand. "I'll take care of 'em. Get out there, and bust a move or a hip, God willing," he sneered.

Ford sputtered but regained his cool when he met Lucrecia's gentle gaze. He flowed into her, such as how a wave receded from the shore. Their hands entwined, and they stepped toward the dance floor, hungry only for each other.

And Otto, setting the coals alight, basked in the frivolity of dusk.