July 28 2022 wrote:
They were doing terribly, but they were still doing their best.
Wrote this because I'm feeling a bit lonely on Thanksgiving, based on this new random story idea in my head.
--
Vida pushed the door open and breathed in the smells of home. Ah, the acrid stench of failed electrical experiments mixed with burning desserts and roasting meat. A cheerful violin melody accompanied the strange mix of smells. That must have be Dowlar. His playing had improved since the last harvest festival.
"Vida!" Connie shouted, leap-flying over thick tomes strewn on the floor (and Ron, who was lying on the ground reading said books) and wrapping her wings around them. "We were beginning to think you weren't coming! What was the hold up?"
"I'm only an hour late," they grumbled. "Maybe you should channel some of your energy into making sure the pie isn't overcooking."
Vida's guess that Connie was in charge of desserts was proven correct when Connie let out a shriek and panic and streaked back into the kitchen before letting out a string of curses. Vida took the time to greet all their other siblings.
"Hey Vida," said Dr. Dae. "Glad you could make it. How's life in the Scarred Wasteland treating you?"
"It's cleaner than here," Vida joked. They tossed their bags onto the ground. "But I do miss home, sometimes, a little. Anyways, I'm just here for the food."
"You probably shouldn't expect much then," Ron noted, looking up from his studies.
Vida went to take a peek at the kitchen, where Connie was trying to pick the burnt bits off the pie crust while. Beside her, Dr. Gru poked and sniffed at what appeared to be a tragically under-browned turkey. Not to mention the strange heaps on the table, which might have been the harvest festival sides. Their family had never been the best at cooking. They were doing terribly, but they were trying their best. They gave a slight laugh before returning to the main space.
"So, what did you bring?" asked Millis. "You brought something, right? Because if you didn't, we'd have four sides dishes, and that's an unlucky number."
"You bet I did," said Vida. They took out a bag of salted fish in a myriad of colors, which glittered like jewels in the glow of the light orbs keeping their den lit. "I know it's not traditional, but I saw a Water Flight hawker selling this, and I just couldn't resist. Plus, I tried one, and it was delicious! You guys will love it." Their family looked a bit skeptical. "Trust me. Like, the line was so long, and everyone else was also raving about how good it was."
Before they could go on about how they acquired the fish, Dr. Gru called out from the kitchen. "Dinner's ready!"
With a cheer, all of them stormed into the kitchen, thankful to share a meal together.
Hello! I love birds and music. And also science.