Rating: K+


Petite Pictures #6

"Is this…" the gold band glinted in Mary's palm as her mother stood hunched over the sink vigorously scrubbing her hands.

Mary had practically dragged her out of the waiting room. After removing a glove to provide a signature, Cora had nearly crumpled to the ground, having momentarily forgotten the blood caked under her fingernails. Only when Mary saw her mother's hands begin to tremble was she reminded of their very public setting and whisked her into the nearest powder room.

Running water and the buzzing of the bulb above were the only noises keeping the room from going stale. Cora looked over her shoulder and shut off the tap. She reached for the towel beside the sink, drying her hands, and what was left of her tears, before facing Mary. She had placed her rings in Mary's care in order to properly clean her hands, and now Mary was using the vibrating light above them to examine her mother's wedding band.

"All of your initials, yes." She hadn't thought about in ages, really, for she hardly ever took it off.

"Your father had it engraved just after Sybil was born. He didn't want me to think he was disappointed Sybil was a girl." The inscription carved inside the ring flashed as it turned between Mary's fingers.

The buzzing persisted and Mary felt the bridge of her nose burn. She tore her gaze from the ring to watch her mother fold and unfold the towel absentmindedly.

"I was so tired, I didn't even know he'd taken it. And we had just been told we probably wouldn't have any more children." Her mother's voice cut through the hum, soft but etched in memory.

"But..." Mary instantly retreated into herself, unable to go on and afraid to mention any more loss.

"Sometimes miracles happen." If Mary hadn't met her mother's eyes she would have sworn on tone alone that Cora was smiling.

"And sometimes they're just not meant to be," Cora finished. It was the opposite of what Mary expected. It seemed to be easier for her mother to steel her voice rather than her features, perhaps because her exterior was still so marred by blood. Though washed from her hands, it clung to her dress and hair. It wasn't until she spotted a drop that clouded a section of diamonds on Cora's tiara that the buzzing invaded Mary's ears. It made the entire room pulsate. She clutched the sink, suddenly feeling lightheaded.

"Mary." Cora reached for her, gripping each forearm from behind and pressing into her daughters shoulders.

"Oh darling, it'll be alright." The warm weight against her back moored Mary to her swaying surroundings.

Only then did Mary turn and cling to her mother, both women attempting to quell their fear before reentering the waiting room where they would have to do exactly that.

Wait.

Gradually, Mary opened her hand, which was shaking just as her mother's had been. Cora took the rings and placed them back on her finger where they belonged.