This piece is actually comprised of two snippets that were written to go together. The first is set in the beginning of the arc while the second one, separated by a bar, represents a few months down the line.
This is another attempt at storytelling using dialogue.
Idiosyncrasies
"I do not know what to make of it Mr. Jackson. She follows me around like a silent eidolon. It doesn't matter what I do, short of going to the rest room, for there she is. It is not like she is watching me, or hovering, like what you would do if I were unfortunate enough to be under your care. It is more that she has to be there with me. Even if she is doing something that does not coincide with my current activities.
Take this afternoon as a principal example. I was working on that report Mr. Larabee so eloquently insisted I finish, and she sat down in Mr. Tanner's chair working on some archaic form of illustration, until he returned, whereupon she moved to the floor at the side of my desk. Later, I found I was in need of the copier. I got as far as two steps from my desk, at which point she stood and followed me.
Then as I chatted amiably with Ms. Reinhardt, the child found herself a seat not far from me and returned to what she was doing before.
And let us not forget this evening. I retired to the back lawn as I am want to do at times, when visiting the ranch, in an attempt to find a few moments to myself. But it wasn't a minute later, and she was there, looking up at the sky with me. I suppose the most disconcerting part about this arrangement is that she doesn't talk. Not much anyway. She just sits there, self-absorbed. She doesn't look at me, either. She just senses my movements and follows. Like a dog I expect.
As for now, I must say that my appreciation goes to Mr. Tanner, as this is the first time I have been able to procure a moment without her."
"And what do you want me to do about it, Ezra? It's apparent that the girl is still traumatized, and sees something in you that must ease that. The question is, are you willing to throw her back into turmoil just because you want a few minutes to yourself?"
"Well, I…I…I don't want her to wallow in that miasma she was shrouded in before, but surely she can find another way to feel at ease?"
"Like it or not, Ez, she's picked you, and to a lesser degree, Vin, to feel safe around. And, as you said, she isn't getting in your way or causing any problems, so for now, I'd say you should just deal with it. Besides, I find it fitting you're receiving a little of your own attitude."
"And what, might I ask, is that referring to, Mr. Jackson?"
"Oh, nothin' much. It's just that you tend to run a little 'self-absorbed' yourself. We've just learned to accept this little idiosyncrasy and appreciate you more, for it."
"I do not like this, not at all."
"And why's that, Ez?"
"She is going off with people I have not the pleasure of knowing intimately. She even refused to give me their full given names so I could do a background check on them. – what is so funny, Mr. Jackson?"
"You. It wasn't so long ago you were having troubles with her being near you all the time, and now you can't let go. Make up your mind, man. You can't have it both ways. – what was that, Ez? I couldn't understand the mumble. – Fine, don't repeat it. But sometime you're going to have to realize this is for the best. She's learning to depend on herself and that's what we want. It's healthy, and I for one think it's about time."
"You may be right, Mr. Jackson, but I still need to get the names of those girls she's absconded with."
"Girls, and boy."
"Excuse me?"
"One of 'em was a boy."
"Oh, dear Lord!"
"Whoa, whoa, where ya goin' there, Ezra?"
"To follow them of course. Now, are you going to stand there snickering, or are you going to come along?"
"I'm Comin', I'm comin', just let me get my camera."
"Why the devil for, Mr. Jackson?"
"So I c'n capture the moment you make a fool of yerself."
"Your faith in me leaves something to be desired."