Dreamwalker

21- Family

Pearly white moonlight reflected on the snow capped tips of the mountains. Each tiny star was visible, glinting like buttons sewn into the velvet night sky. Wind whistled around the city of Solancee. It wound itself around each corner of each building and sighed when it dissolved over the rock peaks. The snow had stopped for a while, so Piano took advantage of the break in the weather to visit Soutine at the edge of town. He shoved his hands deep in his coat pockets and wrapped a woolen scarf around his neck and mouth. When he reached Soutine's cabin, he reluctantly drew one of his hands out so he could knock on the door.

Soutine opened the door a moment later. "Oh, it's you. What are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you too. Let me in, it's freezing outside."

"Maybe I'll keep you out here to watch you shiver."

"Soutine!"

"Alright, alright. Wipe your feet outside. Track snow inside and I'll track my foot down your throat."

"God's bones, you're a pest." Piano stamped his feet on the ground before he stepped over the threshold and Soutine slammed the door behind him to keep the cold out. He was scarcely a few steps inside before he saw a small girl sitting next to the fire, a mug cradled in both hands. She looked up when she saw him and jumped to her feet with a gasp.

"It's alright, Bell. He is here to visit," Soutine reassured.

She sat back down. Her huge watchful eyes, so characteristic of someone her age, examined Piano with suspicious curiosity.

"Go on, say hello," Soutine prompted. "You know who he is."

Bell looked back at the fire and murmured, "evening, Monsieur Piano."

"I must admit, Soutine, I came here planning to speak to you alone," Piano remarked.

"Bell was having a rough night and came here of her own accord. I warmed up some milk for her. Besides, anything you want to tell me you could surely say in front of her." Soutine strode across the room to reach down and pat Bell's hair with a father's gentle touch. She smiled at him.
"I-- I--" Piano was lost for words. Bell's presence completely threw him off.

"Would you like some milk? I have some heated in the kettle."

Piano paused, and finally muttered, "yes, thank you."

Soutine took a mug from over the fireplace and took the kettle from the fire to pour milk into it. He handed it to Piano who took it with a small grateful smirk. "So, Piano. What is it? Have you been missing work? I'm still not going to work on weekends, if that's what you're wondering." Soutine sat down next to Bell and wrapped an arm around her narrow shoulders.

"No, it isn't that. I... simply wanted to..." Piano shot a glance at Bell. She was still staring at him as if she knew exactly what he was thinking. He took an annoyed sip of milk.

"What?"

"I wondered... I wondered if..."

It shouldn't be that difficult, Piano encouraged himself in his head. He would understand. He would understand. He has feelings, he cares for the little girl, he would understand. Love isn't so uncommon in Solancee. Piano gathered his courage and continued, "I wanted to tell you--"

Another knock at the door interrupted him. His heart skipped a beat.

"What a party I'm hosting tonight. Now who could that be at this hour?" Soutine stood up again to open the door. A bulking figure stood in the doorway. Soutine's grin curdled into a sour frown. "Oh. Good evening, Monsieur Darche."