Eliza screams.
Eliza screams, breaks down into sobs, and falls to the floor, unable to stand.
Lucas scoops her up into his arms and holds her gently to his chest.
Gerald covers his mouth, turning his head away, and closes his eyes.
I can still see the joyful tears fall down his face.
Lucas gives a self-deprecating laugh as he pets Eliza's hair, rocking back and forth. "Geez...if I knew it'd upset you this much...maybe I should have stayed gone..."
"If you ever suggest anything so ridiculous ever again I'll kill you myself!" Eliza wails through her tears, thumping a fist against her brother's chest. "Useless...moron...idiotic...annoying..."
She sniffles as her fists strike Lucas, over and over, with a gentleness and tenderness that belies her harsh, angry words.
Lucas laughs softly, and returns a gentle embrace as she presses her forehead into his shoulder.
