Story: Entertained

This fill was inspired by a prompt from readera at the January 2023 Crowdfunding Creative Jam. 225 words, it is next in the RePrint series after "Buoyed."

Entertained

   Freddie had come by Althea’s room every evening for dinner since Althea’s acceptance of him as her Familial Guardian. They’d savor the meal together, then afterwards play games until Nurse Manning came in to get Althea ready for bed. Althea gravitated towards cooperative board games like Patchwork or role-playing games like The Story Master’s Tales. Each night had been low key and relaxed, and the touches incidental from passing game supplies.

   Now Althea found herself cross-legged on the floor with Freddie, cushions from the comfy arm chairs a fortified wall at their backs and the fuzzy sherpa lining of her galaxy throw strung above their heads. The blanket fort had been Freddie’s inspired idea for a Saturday morning treat while Althea got to watch an hour of media. They’d settled on Hilda, an old show Althea had never heard of, but for which Freddie raved.

   As Freddie reached forward to tap play on the tablet, Althea gently clasped his wrist. “Thanks Freddie. The fort was a great idea; it feels cozy and snug. I’m having fun with you here now, instead of constantly worrying about what comes next. It, its just, more than I expected, you know?” she only stumbled slightly over the admission.

   “Good.” Freddie bumped his massive shoulder into hers. “I’m glad I’m helping. Now get ready to meet your new favorite cartoon!”