Sometimes the smallest, most obscure moments are the most touching. Nothing much of importance is happening with most of my charges, and yet I can see the goodness and happiness growing in their lives.
For the first time this week, Morgan had the opportunity to introduce Brooke as her girlfriend. They were attending a small gathering celebrating the close of a play Morgan was in—a cast party.[1] Her friends did not find the introduction remarkable—which in and of itself was a pleasure to Morgan and Brooke—but Brooke noticed, as did Morgan, and they took joy in it.
Pamela is finding her feet again. She spent several nights alone at home this week, and only once did she feel lonely or upset. Last night she looked up from her book, seeing the warm glow of her lamp, with soft music playing and a glass of wine on the table in front of her, and was very happy in her solitude.
Ramona “overheard” Jesse talking about her to a friend this week. She saw the signs for “beautiful” and “kind” and then noticed him spelling out her own name. Those hand motions—and those hands—have become very precious to her over the past months.
Don’s daughter Priscilla will have a birthday very soon, and so I had the privilege of watching Don and Charlotte shopping for her. Don was nervous, wanting to find the perfect gift for her, but also wishing to be sure that what he gave her would not disturb his ex-wife. Despite his worries, he had a good time with Charlotte, exchanging jokes and laughs as they wandered through the stores, sometimes forgetting their objective. In the end, I believe they made a good choice: they put their funds together and purchased a day of self-indulgence at a spa for Priscilla and her mother to share.
Finally, I sought out Lubos to ask after Freya. I was hesitant to disturb him, but I have missed my fire-woman, and I wanted to know of her welfare just as much as I did that of my own charges. Lubos was very kind, giving me as much news as I wanted to hear. Freya is thriving, as she always does. She has just returned from a trip to the west coast for her career, a trip which she took with Ryan and which both enjoyed. They have an easy connection between them, though Freya does sometimes get restless and go walking alone, composing haiku in her head and laughing at herself. She dances, just like Myrtle does, if without the same level of skill, both alone and with her man. For that, for her happiness, I am glad, and grateful to my brother for his watchful care.
I have said nothing of Tammy and Lamarr, I know. That is because this is a post for small moments, and while they have seen those this week, they also have a very significant moment approaching. I will be joining them for that tomorrow, so look again then for my update.
[1] Cast is the word used for the group of people who work together to perform a story on stage or in front of a camera. It is an interesting wording, as if these people are cast together and expected to become a single unit. Usually these people do form very strong bonds, though, in their long hours rehearsing and working together.