“I must look awful.” Tina commented wiping the dampness from her cheeks with the pad of her thumb.  Not expecting an answer, it was instead a way to reveal that she felt worn.  There was an uneasiness that blanketed her frame while seemingly coating her insides.  It was as if her heart was strung with fraying thread and hovered over a darkened space.

The brunette didn’t hesitate.  The truth flowed easily from her tongue with the liberty afforded by the morning’s disclosures. “You look beautiful.” 

The sincerity in her quiet remark was apparent.  Nevertheless, the observation caused one woman to clear her throat self-consciously while the other’s cheeks darkened with a reddish hue.  Something so natural in their yesterday caused a level of discomfort in their present. 

It was ridiculous in some respects.  Comical even – that mature women would flush and fidget with discomfiture given the innocent comment.  It was also a somber reminder.  Of how the truth could effect awkwardness.  How missteps and disappointment still bred uncertainty as to what was acceptable.

The blonde mumbled,  “I think I’ll wash up.” 

“Of course.” Bette agreed politely.  She inched to her left, as if to give the other additional room to manage although the two foot gap between the side table opposite her chair was more than enough to allow passage.

Working her way to the rear, quiet footsteps brought Tina in the direction of other rooms that held other reminiscences.  She paused by the doors that held her recent interest.  Seemingly timed to perfection, another slight breeze encouraged the gentle sound of chimes to filter through the closed doors. 

Truly, she missed this house. 

Though inert it had a rhythm she knew well.  Familiar with the belongings within its walls, the sounds and smells.  It held so many memories both good and bad.  Memories that shaped the person she was today.  Most of which involved the woman who stirred behind where she stood. 

Before taking more steps toward the hallway, she acknowledged that she grieved for more.  Indeed she pined for the security of this house and not just because it offered the comfort of well worn shoes.  There was so much more in the form of everything else that came with it and held meaning.