Post Nine: Dance?

[witchofthechalk]

What is this dance thing everyone's talking about now. I didn't think we had any lords here to throw balls.

[And she's not even going to ask about Morris dances....bad memories.]

Comments

[is-an-island.livejournal.com]

[not looking her in the eyes]

It... It really meant a lot to you, I see.

[eldest-hatter.livejournal.com]

It does.

Thank you, Arthur.

[is-an-island.livejournal.com]

I still don't understand why.

[eldest-hatter.livejournal.com]

Because I really wanted Tiffany to be able to do something that is considered normal for a young girl.

As it is, there aren't enough moments here for that.

[is-an-island.livejournal.com]

... She could play games with me instead.

That's normal enough.

[eldest-hatter.livejournal.com]

I'm sure she'd love to play a game with you. Perhaps another night.

I'm afraid until then you'll have to settle for me as your game partner.

[is-an-island.livejournal.com]

... I wouldn't call it settle.

But a dance is a frightening thing.

[eldest-hatter.livejournal.com]

But it can also be exciting. If she were frightened, she wouldn't go, now would she?

[is-an-island.livejournal.com]

Frightening for me.

So many things could happen.

[eldest-hatter.livejournal.com]

So many things could happen anywhere.

She'll be fine.

[is-an-island.livejournal.com]

What if she likes it?

[eldest-hatter.livejournal.com]

Then she likes it. What is the problem there?

[is-an-island.livejournal.com]

What if she really likes it and doesn't want to come back?

[eldest-hatter.livejournal.com]

She'll come back.

[is-an-island.livejournal.com]

Just give them a taste of freedom and they'll never return.

[eldest-hatter.livejournal.com]

Tiffany had freedom before we knew her. She isn't actually our daughter, and yet she still lives here with us and treats us with love and respect.

[is-an-island.livejournal.com]

But it's different.

[eldest-hatter.livejournal.com]

I know it's hard...but can't you try to believe in Tiffany? Believe that she will always be here for you and for me when it is important. People don't go away forever.

[is-an-island.livejournal.com]

But they do.

You still see them--and they're there--but it's not the same, and it'll never be good again.

[eldest-hatter.livejournal.com]

It may not be the same, but I will not believe it can never be good again.

[is-an-island.livejournal.com]

I've really tried.

[eldest-hatter.livejournal.com]

You can't give up trying.

[is-an-island.livejournal.com]

It's time to let go.

[eldest-hatter.livejournal.com]

Let go of what?

[is-an-island.livejournal.com]

Hoping, I suppose.

I'll allow Tiffany to attend the party for a short amount of time. If all goes well, next time--she may go longer.