Compassion and Oblivion

Chapter Twenty: Another Revolution Around the Sun (Part One)

Author's Note:

Hello Friends!

I just wanted to mention that there will be an important callback to Chapter Fourteen, located between the set of *** symbols. If you can't recall what Elliott is referring to during that conversation, please jump back a few chapters to refresh yourself!

Enjoy! 🥰

"How do you wrap a rock?"

Sam ponders your question for a moment. "Maybe like a Christmas cracker? Get some string and tie off some excess gift wrap at either end?"

"What if, when he 'pops' it, it goes flying onto the floor and breaks into smaller pieces?" you return. "Then it would be way less cool, if it were just multiple smaller chunks."

"Yeah right," Sam retorts, "Seb is way too much of a 'cool guy' to actually pop a Christmas cracker. He'd just open it normally, like a boring person."

Penny walks past the kitchen table where you and Sam studiously contemplated the silver and white striped gift wrap, scissors, and tape. "You both are so goofy. Walk down to Pierre's and get a small gift bag, (Y/N)."

Your eyes connect with Sam's bashful, green orbs, as you exchange the same sheepish expression.

"Why, at any point during this conversation, did neither of us think of a gift bag?" you sigh, defeatedly rubbing your palm against your forehead.

Sam shyly rubs the back of his neck, "Heh, yeah, guess that's easier than wrapping paper. Good idea, Penny."

Penny blushes lightly, giving Sam a warm smile. "I know that's why you really keep me around. You'd be lost without my sensible ideas."

Sam blushes and turns away from her, chuckling lightly. "I can think of a few other reasons why we keep you around, but you're right. I'd probably be dead or majorly injured if it wasn't for your common sense."

Penny smiles and shakes her head as she opens the fridge to begin preparing lunch. "It's a good thing we have each other, then."

You roll your eyes playfully, the gesture completely unseen by the bashful lovebirds who were currently avoiding each other's gazes. Just kiss already, for the love of Yoba...

You said hello to Caroline and Jodi while on your walk to Pierre's. They frequently met to gossip or chat when the temperature was mild. Thankfully, today was one of those days. You hoped that the temperature would continue to stay comfortable through the evening for your bonfire.

The bell above the doorway jingles as you enter Pierre's General Store.

"Hey, Farmer (Y/N)!" Pierre calls from behind the counter, lowering his newspaper and pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Spring time already?"

You chuckle lightly at his usual attempt to coax you into stocking up on seeds. "Not quite, it's still January, last I checked. Maybe we'll talk in March."

Pierre sighs, almost passive-aggressively. "I'll be here if you change your mind."

You walk to the front corner of the store, where the small section of gift bags and wrapping paper is stocked. Luckily for you, there are enough birthdays and unique holidays in Pelican Town, the local store carries plenty of options. You'd be devastated if you had to look at Joja-Mart.

In the corner, looking at a red gift bag with a glittery pink and white heart pattern, stands Elliott. He looks torn between two decisions, however, he's only looking at one bag.