sixwordstories | (no subject)

...mind if I do?

My cupboard is shamefully bare right now.

Of course not. *hands one over* I know I thought I was hungier than I am, but I'm not sure how I figured I'd be fifteen sandwiches hungier. I guess I got a little carried away.

*smiling* It happens.

*takes a bite* Whoa. You have mastered the peanut butter-to-jelly ratio. Yum.

*grins* Thanks. I've been...practicing. I can't really make much else.

It's paid off. Quite nicely, I must say.

And - hey, you have to start somewhere, right? (The highlight of my culinary gift is not burning popcorn, so you're a step ahead of me.)

Thanks! It's good these won't go to waste.

I guess so. I might be a little better off, once I figure out how not to be so nervous about the oven.

*smiles* My mom wouldn't let me in the kitchen when I was little. She was terrified I'd burn myself. Or dinner. I guess I never took the time to learn.

I bet you'll be able to conquer it though. You seem pretty sensible. (I do understand your apprehension, though!)

My dad was the same way, most of the time. He usually just brought me dinner, I never really got to watch him make it.

Dad said these things do take time. I'm just impatient. And...kind of getting sick of my limited meal options. I did okay on Christmas, though, when I had to use it. I hope that counts for something.

*laughs gently* Parents... they do love to be *protective* don't they?

In my opinion, if you can do a Christmas meal... you're on your way for sure.

*she rolls her eyes in agreement* My dad could have made a career out of it.

Well, I had a little help, then. But you're probably right.

*can't help but smile* Still. In a weird way I *almost* miss it. I've been on my own (more or less) for a couple years now... well, with friends, but it's definitely not the same.

*pauses* It was my choice though, I don't regret it.

*nods slowly* I know. As much as I used to hate it, I miss it now, too. I haven't been on my own for that long, but I don't know if I'll ever get used to it.

It's nice when you're able to make choices like that.

*gently* It can be hard. Especially at first, but I think in the long run, it's a good thing - independence, I mean.

*carefully* Uhm, if you don't mind my asking - how long *have* you been on your own?

*shrugs* I always thought so. I know it'll get easier, I...just don't like how it feels in the meantime.

Not...long. A few months. I think. I have trouble keeping track of the days. But I've always had that problem.

*nodding* I understand that. It was really weird at first when I left home - especially since I was traveling so much that days and nights were pretty irregular.

Maybe it'd be easier if I'd left, too. But I just...couldn't.

*very delicately* Mind my asking why?

*hesitates* My dad, he...died. My whole family's gone. I kind of didn't have a choice.

*frowning, concerned* I'm so sorry to hear that, hon. If you need anything...

*she shrugs* Thanks. I guess I'm doing all right. But thanks.

You're welcome.