Falling (repeatedly)

35- A Conversation on the Balcony

Now that everyone is done with their food, they move to the luxurious lounge area.

Espresso notes that most of them are taking up as much space as they can. He isn't sure if it's what they usually do, or if it's to force him to stand or sit on the floor.

Madeleine is sitting on a couch. He looks up at Espresso. "Would you like to sit down?"

"There is no space for me to sit, other than the floor."

"Nonsense. Come here."

Espresso stands next to him. "What do you want."

Madeleine gets up, then pushes Espresso onto the couch where he was sitting a few seconds before.

Espresso looks up at him. "Wha- Where are you going to sit?"

"I did not think that far ahead."

The other person on the couch is looking at Espresso, just as confused.

Madeleine looks around. Several cookies move to let Madeleine sit with them.

Madeleine proceeds to sit on Espresso's lap.

One of his aunts asks "Why are you sitting on that coffee mage?"

"He couldn't sit anywhere, so if he sits in my spot, that means I have no place to sit, correct?"

"We can make room for you."

"Why didn't you do that for Espresso?"

The room is quiet.

Then Madeleine yawns. He leans on Espresso. "Warm.."

Espresso heats up a bit. "Madeleine, what are you doing??"

"You are warm."

"That answers nothing."

Madeleine is starting to fall asleep.

Espresso shakes him a little. "Do not fall asleep on me."

"But I'm tired..."

"Then go to bed."

"No."

Someone says "Madeleine, you shouldn't fall asleep yet."

Madeleine looks at them, then changes how he's sitting. He leans on Espresso again.

He mumbles "Warm.. comfy."

Espresso gently grabs Madeleine's shoulders and moves him away. Madeleine makes a small sound of protest.

Espresso looks at him. "You need to go to bed."

"But you don't do that.."

"I drink coffee."

"I don't want to sleep."

Espresso sighs, then asks "Where is his room?"

Canelé says "We will have a maid take him to his room."