Red's Family Diner

Chapter 1

November 2nd, 1956

The snow gently slammed against the window sill as the wind carried it from the freezing North. The small record player jumped bumps as "You Make Me Feel So Young," hummed softly into the small New York home. A tan woman with purple hair sat in the armchair, reading a magazine about fashion. Her eyes glanced onto the small couch to her right. Seeing a white man with ram horns, his hair slightly fading from a blonde to brown, holding her daughter. Who was asleep on top of her father. Her daughter's dark curly hair bounced with each rise of her father's rising chest. She couldn't help but smile, watching the two look identical in their sleep. They were both ironically wearing party hats still, the man's face still covered in sparkles and frosting. The fire crackled as the small remains of a birthday party showed. The early winter came and made everyone warm and cozy. She only wished this moment could last, trapped inside like a small snow globe. She gently got up and grabbed a camera that sat next to an unfinished scrapbook, walking back to the two. She knew this wouldn't last inside a snow globe, and rather was better inside a photograph. Something you could see clearly. Something that captures innocence in a heartbeat—Click!

December 12th/13th, 1956

Maddie Beloved —

I finished packing our suitcases as I couldn't believe what was happening. Wilbur had decided to take the winter break his college had given him and said we're heading to Florida! Florida! Can you even believe that? A girl from Panama is going back to some weather she could relate to. I adjusted the small red sweater around my neck as Wilbur entered. It may seem rather bizarre that my husband, who is 31, and in college. But he's only in it due to the fact he was interning for the majority of the first half of his life. It's crazy for people to think of the fact a "housewife" is the moneymaker for the time. Speaking of, Wilbur opened our master bedroom as he looked exhausted. He wore a yellow sweater with small stitches in between—showing the condition and how long the sweater had lasted to him.

"Can you go get Edith for me?" He pleaded, picking up my suitcase as he pecked my cheek with a kiss. "Why? We're in no rush–let the damn girl be alone." I said, chuckling as my arms crossed. Wilbur's eyes sank as he shook his head. "She needs her annual attention Maddie sweetie." He said, rubbing his free hand against my face as I exhaled. "You're too good," I muttered as he smiled, our noses intertwining a bit before I could hear our little demon toss something against the wall. An audible thud!-- Calling me to handle her.

I opened the room's door to spot her sitting on her bed, playing with dolls. She was too busy making up intense scenarios ("Raah!" She'd cry as the giant 'monster' slammed into a man. "No!" She would reply in this scene. Before dropping both.) Her eyes bounced to spot me leaning against the doorframe as she clapped her hands. Happy to spot me watching her in this amazing action movie.

"Playing with your toys?" I'd call to her as she pushed herself up and waddled towards me. "Mama!" She'd reply as I picked her up–grunting a bit as I bounced her in my arms for a few. "Yes Edith, It's Mama!" Looking at my daughter made my mouth curve into a smile, it was contagious to feel her happiness. She is so pure and gold-hearted. She really is my daughter. I walked the both of us out of the room–seeing Wilbur now change into a somewhat tropical outfit. He rubbed his forehead as he had his hair tied back. Making me smile as Edith's hands held onto my sweater. "Dada!" Edith cried as Wilbur laughed and approached the two of us. "Wow! What two handsome young ladies to greet me." He said, picking Edith out of my arms as instantly her arms wrapped around her father's horns. Tugging and watching her father tug them up to play with her. "Don't you two walk off to the taxi without me–Let me change," I replied.

The airport wasn't friendly, but the flight was quick. Edith behaved well, mostly clinging to her Dad the entire trip. And once we landed, grabbing our luggage from the claim, a special guest waited just outside.