Period 4: Art
Theme 3: Paper
Words: 294
Author: Lillie Bell
"Mama?"
"Yes, dear?" Serenity answered as she packed Small Lady's backpack for a picnic with the senshi. Her back was to the child and they were in the king and queen's bedroom. Serenity was making sure the small girl was stocked up on sunscreen and bug spray and the small bug-catching net Shingo had given her.
"Why do you have this old crumpled piece of paper?"
The pack zipped with much effort and Serenity joined Small Lady. The child had found the wall of all of their precious documents. Their document certifying them as King and Queen of Crystal Tokyo sat in the middle and was larger than any other document. It was nearly three feet tall and two feet wide, having been signed by all of the previous powerholders-Presidents, Prime Ministers, Shahs, and what were now Lesser Kings and Queens. Their wedding certificate was off to one side and Serenity's heart warmed to see its simple frame amid the grandeur. There were documents of Peace Prizes and Commendations, and various other awards they had acquired by their various good deeds.
"That one."
Her eyes followed the pointed pudgy digit to a splayed piece of paper. At one time it had obviously been wadded up. It corners were faded to a yellow color and the typing ink had faded to a sepia tone. The penciled in answer were barely legible.
A huge, red 27 was unmistakable at the top right of the paper. Time had not dared disturb its coloring and it stood out even more than it had when it had first been penned.
A smile slid across Serenity's face. She saw that same smile mirrored in their child as she looked into her innocent face.
"That was how Mommy met Daddy."