Caleb is at the bedroom door.
I have something for you, Neamhchiontach.
Lochlan looks up from his book. We are hibernating today. Having hygge (which is the danish word for fun, if you want to be technical). Clean pajamas, a small fire that we let go out because it got so warm we opened all the windows instead, and breakfast for three, in bed, and I lost a fork and Ben went looking for it which made us all howl with laughter. Then...um...new sheets and more clean pajamas because fork is a similar word to, and sometimes used as, another word that makes sense in the bedroom and then I catnapped and now I'm starving. I have closed the windows because the sun is headed for the cliff of horizon and it's time for another dark cold night and I even checked the sunrise and sunset times and it feels like we aren't getting anywhere here. A few lights on and both boys are now reading. We're unplugged, an acoustic BLB. Off the grid. Well, the lights are electric and so are our hearts but that's it, today.
What is it?
He holds out his hand and drops it low. It's a carved lepidolite heart.
How did you know?
I was reading up. This one is for restlessness and anxiety.
Where did you get it?
I went to a little shop that sells all the crystals.
Ohhhh and you left me home?
It was near another store where I was already running errands so I thought I would take a look.
I love it, it's beautiful. Thank you!
If you have a list I would like to help you collect them all.
Like Pokemon? Lochlan calls from inside.
Hush, you.
Gotta catch em all, Ben laughs in that slow, infectious drawl he does now.
Hey man, I read that crystals are taking over the world. Caleb is defensive but light.
I told you! Well, not really but they're so pretty.
Yes, I like the display in the hall and since you work hard to keep the decorating as woodsy-masculine as you can it's good if you can have something to remind us all that a beautiful woman lives here too.
I didn't know you cared, Diabhal! Lochlan is in hysterics.
Shut the fuck up and try harder, Lasraichean, Caleb all but sings it over my head, in through the door.
And I laugh and hold the cool stone up to my cheek. That was a term of endearment, meaning flame. They're comfort-sparring, today.
Shall I put it with the others? Caleb smiles. So pleased.
No, I have to cleanse it and then charge it first.
This is...oddly complicated.
Not really. They work best when they are cleaned, renewed and charged up with power.
And how do you do that?
Either put them in soapy water, sunlight or moonlight and then put them on the white plate with the carvings for a day or two.
Oh, I see. Then their power is...unleashed?
I mean, kind of. It's hard to explain.
Works for me, Lochlan grins, still determined to tease Caleb any chance he gets as he ducks between us. Going to get Chinese food. Need anything else?
Rain, I call after him.
Huh? Oh, that day. Ha. You. Lochlan points at me and winks and then he's gone and it's just me, the rock and the devil and a really sleepy Ben nodding off into his pages.
Thank you again.
Drink later?
Maybe tomorrow or the next evening. I have plans tonight.
What rock do I get for loneliness?
Cocaine, Ben says and he starts laughing again, awake after all.