The broken gear

Extended Visit

As the three went down the stairs, Valeria recalled seeing the lights again. She decided to brush it of hoping it was something else. She was glad she had others with her. Mostly Nelle.

They eventually reached the dining room. The table had a white cloth with streaks of gilded fabric around the perimeter resembling flowers and their stems with the leaves being a darker gold and the petals being silver. Two other cloths, one gold and one white with a somewhat abstract design and six small crowns surrounding a larger and grander one.

"I see your family likes the colors white and gold," said Valeria.

"It's ceremonial, ish," said Thomas.

They sat down next to each other with Nelle sitting to Thomas' right. Sarah and Valeria's younger sister sat next to Nelle, both not wondering about the empty seat. Valerie, Hazel, and Arthur all sat on the opposite row, respectively, from Valeria's parents who were sitting next to Thomas' parents.

"Won't the others notice Nelle?" asked Valeria.

"No, Nelle can make herself incomprehensible," replied Thomas.

"But how do we talk to her without the others thinking that we are crazy?"

"I, I don't know."

"You do know I'm still here, right?" said Nelle feeling somewhat frustrated.

Thomas's father then got up and hit his glass with a fork. "I have an announcement everyone. Due to out private meeting, and several matters that have come up, our visitor's stay will be extended."

Valeria's father then got up and announced his decision. "It was a necessary decision, but I'm sure everything will be fine. It shouldn't be more than a week." Both then sat down as everyone around the table was shocked.

"Mom, why are we going to stay here for a week?" asked Valerie.

"Don't worry," she said reassuringly.

The table fell silent with the exception of the parent who chattered away as if nothing occurred. A few whispers gained traction until they turned into conversations completely forgetting about the announcement.

"What do you think the reason for the extension is?" asked Valeria.

"I'm not sure," responded Thomas as he took a sip from his glass.

"What is that again?"

"Pomegranate juice, turns out that I have a low tolerance to alcohol."

"I see. And how did you find out?"

"I don't remember."

"I didn't know that you were allowed to drink alcohol," said Nelle in a somewhat quiet voice.

"There are certain exceptions."

"Valeria, can the rest of your family see Nelle?"

"Not necessarily, I have a passive ability that allows me see things that wouldn't normally be seen."

"Like what?"

"Certain...things," she said almost hesitant.

"Are there any here?"

"No."