The Park, Friday Afternoon

[crimson_sister]

Lucille was in a surprisingly pleasant mood as she strolled through the park in the afternoon. Surprisingly because she had never been one for pleasant moods, although lately that was beginning to change a little. Perhaps leaving the past behind was truly possible? It still surprised her though, as did finding she could look at the flamingos without contempt for their ridiculousness. The ducks, however, would do better on a plate, but she was not inclined to hunt birds. She didn't mind those lanterns in the windows either, and they were less in the way than the spiders.

Thinking about her costume for the Halloween party took up most of her thoughts, which was unexpected too, since that had never been something she had cared much for either. Tisarwat's idea was good though, and hopefully it would be an enjoyable evening.

Lucille actually smiled, just a little.

[Open]

Comments

[sharp_man]

Hannibal had come for Homecoming and hung around a bit longer than usual, and now he was pleased he had.

He smiled as he walked through the park and came upon Lucille.

"Lucille, hello."

[crimson_sister]

"Doctor Lecter!"

Lucille offered him a warm smile.

"I thought you had left."

[sharp_man]

"More or less," Hannibal answered. "Jono returned to his own world, and I went with him. I've been back a time or two to maintain the house." He looked around. "I'm considering spending more time here, though. It's invigorating."

He turned back to her. "And how have you been? I'm pleased to see you back."

[crimson_sister]

"I decided to leave the house," Lucille said. "After my brother passed away. It can sink down into the clay pit it stands on, for all I care."

Along with painful memories and a few dead bodies.

"I have an apartment here, a piano, and I just recently became the owner of the flower shop."

She smiled.

"It is so good to see you. I have missed you, and if you plan to visit more often you must come for tea."

[sharp_man]

"I would be delighted." Hannibal nodded to her. "I am sorry to hear of your brother, though. That must have been very difficult for you."

[crimson_sister]

"It was."

After a long pause she added:

"Is it terrible of me to admit that his death offered a sense of freedom? No one needs my protection anymore."

She couldn't think of anyone but Hannibal she would admit that to.

"It doesn't mean I wouldn't do anything to have him back."

Anything meant a lot when it came to Lucille, as Hannibal was probably aware of.

[sharp_man]

Hannibal nodded again. "There is no shame in either of those. It's good that you can find some positive emotions in a painful experience. But you are a survivor; I would expect nothing less."

[crimson_sister]

"I take comfort in reading and playing the piano," Lucille said. "And I have made new friends who share those interests."

One in particular.

"Friendship is a strange thing, isn't it?"

[sharp_man]

"It is," Hannibal agreed. "Strange and confusing and occasionally wonderful. Are you enjoying it?"

[crimson_sister]

"I am," she said. "I'm not sure if that should surprise me."

[sharp_man]

"Allow it to delight you," Hannibal suggested. "It can be good to not be alone."

He was a decided fan, now he'd experienced it.