The Dale Decision

Thistle - Tentative

A minute or so later, Wis and Nana returned. They had taken longer than expected; they had happened across Ma and Kendall Dale having a conversation on their way back. Ma, of course, had taken the opportunity to tell Kendall about her time capsule idea – Kendall had said that she personally liked the idea, but she was uncertain about how the other Dales would react. They hadn't had something like this happen before... which was something Thistle could understand.

It was always difficult to figure out if a new, untried thing would be allowed. It made asking for permission about it so much more sensitive and tricky.

Nana had left to get changed, and the three of them decided to do the same and went for their luggage. While they did this, both Thistle and Wis explained Ma's plan to Bis. Naturally, she was enthralled by it, wishing she had made something for it. It did seem to get Wis thinking and she told them she had an idea; if they got a sheet of paper, the three of them could write something. Or draw something. It was ideal since they didn't have a lot of options – they certainly weren't about to put one of their stuffed animals in. Ma would understand that they'd made an honest attempt to contribute.

A group decision like that felt safe. He was in uncharted territory... a strange situation where he didn't know what to do, and wasn't sure what was expected of him... there, every decision could feel like an incorrect one. He could fairly easily convince himself of that whenever in this situation. He was lost and every step he took got him more lost. No clear idea of how to navigate the matter. He'd really appreciate some guidance, or a familiar landmark.

Nana might help... Wis said she talked to her. It sounded like it involved last night's events in some way. He might have to take up that opportunity... but there was some anxiety involved. This was a very mysterious, unexplainable occurrence; one he couldn't really get his head around... those were finicky and delicate.

It was rather intimidating, but that wasn't unusual – he was uncertain about this, and discussing subjects he was uncertain about could rob him of his ability to speak. He could misspeak, or get a crucial fact wrong and look like a fool. Best to keep quiet, then. Why couldn't they talk about a subject he knew back to front, like pitching a tent, that wouldn't have this danger?

Some people were comfortable talking about things they didn't know all that much about. They were comfortable with the possibility of making mistakes and possibly creating misinformation. How did they do this? Personally, Thistle found it most anxiety-inducing.

Regardless of all of this, he really shouldn't have to worry. He was talking with his siblings and grandmother, about their own personal feelings and experiences... hard to contradict that. Not to mention the cause of all of this was basically unknown to all of them, so little possibility of a correction there, either. When he realised these factors, the sense of intimidation eased and disappeared.

Once Bis had been informed of Ma's plan with the time capsule, she had proceeded to ask Wis if there was anything in her journal about the Dales' names because they were having a little trouble keeping track of them. They knew Wis would sympathise with that difficulty.

She said no, but then said she'd want to write something. Both Thistle and Bis volunteered to write if it was too much, but Wis said she'd do it – in any case, she was the one who had brought along the writing things. They'd also need somebody, like Kendall Dale to agree to it because they'd probably require her help. They wouldn't do it at breakfast – that was too soon, but maybe... the morning tea that Ma had mentioned might be an ideal time for it.

They finished changing – Thistle noticed Wis selected her unicorn shirt to wear, even though she'd have to wear another layer of clothing over it – and Bis did their hair... it was rather messy; enough so that the adults might comment. Instead of talking, Bis sang; her voice sounded much better now than it had when she was afraid.