"What's the problem, Darius?"
"What do you mean?"
"Back there.
You cut the Kids off from talking about Ruby.
Don't tell me you don't trust what could happen?"
"He's a stranger, and you heard him all about his ancient myths and legends.
I was protecting her name."
"Yeah, well, you may have been protecting more than that.
Right now, let's focus on food. Sir Knight was right.
These last few days we've had nothing but sweets, sugar, candy, and more sugar.
Time to eat something balanced for a day."
"We ate a balanced diet, Mrs. Heartchild."
"Yeah. I was really good at balancing a stack of gumdrops mixed with Ferreros. Not a single one fell off and escaped my mouth. Not a single one."
"I'm sure it was impressive what you did, but if you want to grow up big and strong, then as your care....one of your caretakers; it's my responsibility, you grow up as such."
*Ding*
"I'll be with you in a minute.
Where would you like to…..follow me this way. We'll put a few tables together for you."
"Thank you."
"Here, let me help you."
"You don't have to do that."
"I don't, but I insist."
"Well, if you're asking; then I'm not saying no.
Grab that end. We'll pull them together like this.
One, two, three….lift."
"How's that?"
"Second table.
One, two, three….lift."
"There, I think that's sufficient."
"Might need one…..last table."
"Got it."
"One, two, thre….lift."
"How's that? Their is no way you could ask for another."
"We're good, Mr….."
"Heartchild. Mr. Heartchild, and these are our Kids...that we're watching...while their parents uhhh..…..are out of town."
"Oookay.
Look, it's okay to speak the truth. It's the world we live in nowadays. Kids are tossed around too and fro...who are their parents and who aren't their parents? I don't know. I've been passed around so many times, I sometimes call the wrong couple my parents, if you know what I mean?"
"Thanks for that little bit of a…"
"Tidbit."
"Yeah, what you said.
Kids, grab a chair and pull up to the table."
"Yes, sir."
"I'll be back with your menus, but water for you all, or pop, or…what?"
"Water will be fine. Thank you."
"Coming right up. Just give me a minute.
You know, I like you guys. Most just stand in the middle of the walkway and watch as we put the tables together, even if they have to wait for us to get a second hand."
"I'm honored, but about those drinks?"
"Oh yes. Right. Almost forgot.
I'll be back."
"No problem. Just take your time."
"Hun, shouldn't we be heading home?"
"And just leave our newfound hospitality? These people are doing their best to welcome us with open arms. The least we can do is embrace the hug."