Tarnished Armor
Part 149

The nursery.

Colby is asleep in her crib.

Liza sits in her rocker, reading “The Little Prince.”

Adam enters. He notices Colby sleeping.

Adam (whispers): Breakfast is ready.

Liza: She’s out like a light. You don’t have to whisper.

Adam: Oh.

Liza: I can’t believe they give this book to kids. It covers alcoholism, death, and being lost.

Adam: Well, and friendship. Also, I’m not so sure that the death theme is supposed to be literal. More like when someone moves out of your life for any reason.

Liza: Snakebites? Sacrificing yourself for a friend? It’s death, Adam.

Adam: It’s been a long time since I’ve read the book.

Adam sits in his rocking chair.

Liza puts the book aside.

Liza: Adam, I want to thank you for last night. But it’s not a... it’s not some sort of new beginning for us. I may not want you dead, but I don’t know that --

Adam: I know that what happened last night was not a new beginning for --

Liza: I know that’s what you said. But sometimes what you say and what you’re thinking are...

Adam: Yes. That’s true.

They’re both silent for a moment.

Adam: I have to go away for a little while.

Liza: What?

Adam: I’m starting a scholarship fund in Belinda’s name at Howard University. Adrian and I are going out there today to hammer out the details.

Liza: You’re flying out now?

Adam: Driving. Adrian wants to stop at a few places along the way.

Liza: You and Adrian together for a long drive. I can only imagine.

Adam: Yes. Well. I’m sorry to be leaving you right now. I know it’s a bad time. But if you need anything from me, you can call my cell phone.

Liza: I’m not your keeper.

Adam gets up and goes over to the crib. He leans over it. Colby is awake.

Adam: Hi, princess. How are you?

Colby reaches up towards Adam.

Adam: Okay.

Adam reaches into the crib and picks up Colby.

Adam: I love you. I’ll miss you.

Adam kisses the top of Colby’s head. Then he holds her a little bit away from himself.

Colby grabs his nose.

Adam: Thank you. I’ve missed this.

Colby lets go.

Adam places Colby back in her crib. He turns towards Liza.

Adam: I’ll see you when I get back.

Liza: Okay.

Adam leaves.

Liza gets up and goes over to the crib.

Liza: Are you hungry? How would you feel about having breakfast with Mommy?

Colby: Bah!

Liza: I thought so.

Liza lifts Colby from the crib and carries her from the room.

 
Tarnished Armor Index
Part One Hundred and Forty Eight
Part One Hundred and Fifty