Madison smiles more lately (Patreon)

 The story might be over, but theirs has only just begun. Short drabble by Josh, image sketched by minute and rendered by Adi.

Madison smiles more, lately. Easier and more freely than she ever did in the forest. She smiled when we woke up this morning, our foreheads nearly touching. She smiled when we decided to go out tonight, and chose one of her favorite restaurants. She smiled when she tried on her dress. When she first stepped out of our room, she was blushing nearly as red as the dress itself. Of course, she didn't believe me when I told her she was more beautiful than the models in the magazines I've been reading.

I smile more now, too. At all of the same things as Madison, and then some. Ever since we arrived at the city where Madison and Tara - and now Morgan and I - lived, my life has been a kaleidoscope of wonders and joys. It's so loud, and so bright, but I'm getting used to it.

Tonight we're both eagerly awaiting our meal. Amongst those wonders and joys, the pleasure of eating surpasses most others. There was no special occasion for this evening, other than reveling in the fact that we're alive, and that we can.

"I do hope he gets here soon," I say, scanning the room for the rare sight of our waiter.

"They're probably finishing up right about now," Madison says. By this late hour, most of the other diners have left, and only a handful of patrons remain. "I can't wait for you to get to try this, either."

I rub my hands in anticipation. It'll be my first time trying seafood. The name of the dish that Madison ordered for us was in French, but she assured me that I'll love it. I'm sure that I will. She hasn't been wrong so far.

When he finally emerges from the kitchen, the proud grin on our waiter's face is enough to tell me she's right. He sets the plate down onto our table with a flourish. It certainly deserves it.

"Oh my goodness…" I press my hands to my face, afraid to touch the treasure in front of me. Madison giggles in delight, turning the plate this way and that to admire it from different angles. "This looks even better in real life than it did in the photos. Don't you think?" When she looks at me, I can see my own happiness reflected in her eyes.

"It certainly does," I agree. "The pictures hardly do it justice."

She skewers a scallop, dripping with butter, and hovers it over my mouth.

"Say ah," she commands. I obey, and she gently feeds me the shellfish. It's absolutely delicious. The taste reminds me of the ocean, and of newly treasured memories.

"Alright, your turn," I say as I ready a bite for her. It takes me three tries because Madison can't stop giggling.

The night passes, and even as the torches start to flicker and the cool night breeze departs, the two of us stay there, laughing and talking. So many things have changed since when we first left the forest and now, but that's something that never will.

She smiles more lately, and she laughs more, too. We both do.