So Close, So Far Collection II: Almost Touching
Vignette Number Seven: "Baby"
Rap-a-tap-tap!
Oh my God, this is the fourth time Jun's knocked on my coffin tonight! I'm fine! Go away! Pyron silently begged.
Knock, knock, knock!
Ignore her, he thought.
Blam, blam, blam!
NO! Leave me alone!
Blam, blam, squeak!
'Squeak?' Okay, I give up. You have my attention.
He got out and coolly asked, "What?"
"I found Ren's old stuffed tiger and thought you might need it. That dark casket must get pretty spooky," she answered.
So that was the source of the squeaking. Pyron rubbed his temples and groaned faintly.
"We need to talk," he grumbled.
"Huh? What's the matter?" she innocently queried.
"You've been babying me ever since Master Ren departed to America. I didn't mind it when you shined my shoes or brushed my hair, but this is ridiculous. I know you miss your brother, but I'm not his substitute."
"Ho ho! Now why can't I spoil the man I love?" She waved her hand nonchalantly.
"Listen to yourself, Jun! You just offered me a stuffed tiger!"
Her casual smile tuned into a frigid stare.
"You know how some people smoke when they're stressed? Well, coddling is my version of a cigarette," she said.
She pushed the toy into her spirit's arms almost pleadingly. A tsunami of pity washed over him. Poor Jun! If anyone needed coddling, it was she.
"Here," he uttered while returning the plushie.
The priestess wanted to argue; yet the tiger felt as soft as an angel's wings and smelled like Ren's "Peach Dream" shampoo. Loneliness and dread choked her heart. What if her brother was lying dead on American soil right now? This plaything could be all that was left of him!
She quickly put the tiger down and whispered, "I can't. It hurts too much."
"Then use me," Pyron said gently.
He wrapped the Chinese girl in a loving hug. Every part of her, even her soul, seemed to deflate. At long last…she was the one being babied.
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