GIDEON MCGRIDDLE.

[awol]

Comments

[cavaliered]

Sometimes it is.

[she looks down at her hands.]

Sometimes it's not, though. Sometimes that's all you want.

[awol]

Something you've wanted?

[ he leans and grabs a small handball from one of the baskets in the gym, just turning it in his hands before giving it a toss upwards, testing its weight. ]

Say more?

[cavaliered]

[she's quiet for a bit, and it's almost like she isn't going to answer, but eventually:]

I mean, yeah. I guess who doesn't want someone all to themselves that understands them, right?

[awol]

Didn't think I wanted that, personally.

But the right person shows up. Even if you hardly want them to at first.

[cavaliered]

[she glances at him.]

Well, that's the part I don't have experience with. She didn't show up so much as I can't remember a time without her.

[awol]

Right from the start, huh?

[ a huff ]

I met Bixing long after I quit working for the Union. He had to grow on me. Like a fungus.

[cavaliered]

[that makes her laugh a little.]

I think he just does that. [but it's fond.] ... He's done a lot for me and didn't even ask for anything in return.

[awol]

Being a teacher is rewarding to him. I think that's why. In a place like the Eighth, it's a thankless job. [ he chuckles a bit. ]

It's why he came to me for the money. He was ready to sell both his arms for the chance of giving his kids something more.