Chapter 20
TWENTY
You know what happens to your crops when you don’t water them for a week?
Nothing good.
PeachyKeen:
I get hives just thinking about it.
I hope everything was okay with you this week. You disappeared on me.
BigBear88:
I know. I’m sorry.
I needed some time away.
PeachyKeen:
From me?
BigBear88:
No. Just time to wrap my head around some things.
I didn’t mean to hurt you—I just got overwhelmed and did the stupid thing where I vanish instead of talking it out.
PeachyKeen:
I’d gotten used to you being around.
It sucked when you weren’t.
BigBear88:
Trust me, it sucked for me too.
I’ve missed you.
I thought stepping away would give me clarity and in a way, it did.
I’ve never connected with someone the way I connect with you. I don’t want to lose you.
I can’t.
PeachyKeen:
Then don’t disappear on me again.
It’s not cool to just pop back in and pretend everything’s fine.
BigBear88:
I know.
I’m not expecting everything to go back to how it was.
But I’m hoping I can start watering the soil again.
PeachyKeen:
That was so corny.
But also appropriate.
No more disappearing acts.
BigBear88:
You’ll see me every day.
In the mines. In the field. In the co-op barn.
PeachyKeen:
Don’t forget the greenhouse. I’ve got ancient fruit to harvest.
BigBear88:
Ancient fruit? Damn. You really are wife material.
PeachyKeen:
Don’t push your luck, Bear.
BigBear88:
Don’t worry, Peach. I’ve got a plan.
I’ll win your heart eventually.
PeachyKeen:
Well, looks like someone’s been eating Spicy Eel.