All the Pains of Loving

Chapter Nine: Blueberry Muffins

"Oh how I've missed these. It's so soft and sweet, and somehow has a crumbly top and gooey pockets of blueberry goodness!" my squeal of delight insights a chuckle and a head shake from Uncle Smith, he too is enjoying one of our afternoon's creations.
Blueberry muffins.
Yum.

"They are quite good Lil, I think you've perfected the recipe," he says before taking a big bite and nodding his head at the baked good.

We're sat at the table in the kitchen near the backyard's sliding deck doors, with the maple trees as our neighbors and the tranquil background for our afternoon bake. It's quiet since Ma went to run errands with Emma and Pilly and the cats are outside at the moment.

I release a deep exhale before finishing off my cup of Earl Grey. Uncle Smith still nursing his English Breakfast. "I appreciate the help. I couldn't have done it without you. I'm sure I would have forgotten to sugar the berries or accidentally coated them in salt if you didn't call me out on each and every step of the recipe," I laugh at his controlling and questioning each part of the process, from the oven temperature to the type of mixing bowl we used.

He laughs as well and mumbles out with a mouth filled with muffin, "teamwork makes the dream work."

I love afternoons like this with my uncle. He has been more of a father to me than an uncle, honestly. He's been my role model and constant. Since I can remember, Uncle Smith has been in my life, making jokes, teasing me, baking in the kitchen, and most importantly loving my aunt Leanne. I know he misses her with his every breath but he's shown such strength over the past years and I know it hasn't been easy, there was a while where I thought I would join Auntie Le, I couldn't live without her. That thought just became the catalyst for the most depressive period of my life and the development of an addiction that no one thought I even had.

But through it all uncle Smith has been one of those people who didn't lose themself to the darkness. He faced the pain and was able to live through it, to live beyond it, to live despite it and in my eyes, he's one of the strongest people I've ever known.

"It's been a productive day. I'm glad we got to finish off those pens today. Lorry has been on me about them forever now," he takes the last drink of his tea and sighs in contentment.

"You're right. Nothing like a good bake and hammering a few nails to get yourself feeling accomplished. Plus it was nice spending today with you. I don't even regret all the splinters I've gotten," I look down at the five bandaids I have scattered between my two hands. "It was worth it, the rabbits are free to do as they please and in the future when the geese come in, we'll have enough space for everyone," I smile at him.

"Yes, the geese and the rabbits and the chickens. What next? Sheep? Your mother really is planning a farm in the middle of these maple trees isn't she?," he chuckles again and stands to take in our plates and cups despite my insistence that I could clean up later.
From the kitchen sink he speaks again, "I know we haven't had time to bake together in a bit even though I check in every while. I'm sorry bout that Lil," he turns to look at me over his shoulder with a wry smile.

I shake my head, "don't be sorry uncle Smith. It's fine. I've had school and assignments and stuff. Between school and the animals and Em and Mum, I lose track of time most days anyway. I'm even going to start tutoring someone in my class soon. My plate's been full, you don't need to apologize," I give a little shrug, "we've all got stuff happening. Mom told me you and Mr Purrs A lot have been getting along really nicely, how's it been with him and Perry?" I ask with a grin.

"Tutoring, wow. Wouldn't have thought about you doing that. Who's the poor soul?" he asks with a scrunch of his eyebrows and braces his arms on the island facing me where I haven't moved.