Drabble Theme: "Light"

[dwgm]

With apologies to Mark Twain, here is my offering for the "Light" drabble challenge. (Parrot eluded me all last week, but one of these days I'll catch me some avian muse.)

This is a sequel to a drabble I wrote more than a year ago, Molly Hatter. Molly is also a minor character from The Elusive Norrington.

~ Someone Waits ~

The first time had been something of a surprise for both of them: dalliance turned to a meeting of hearts, minds, and bodies that inspired shocking generosity in him, and determined faithfulness in her.

The second time, he'd come to see the result of that inspiration: Hatter's Hattery -- Headgear for the Discerning Gentleman.

Two weeks he'd stayed, that time. When he left, he'd taken away the sweet memory of her gratitude. And a hat.

"I'll leave a light in the window for you," she'd told him, and he'd laughed and shaken his head.

But the third time, he'd smiled to see it burning there.

And the fourth and fifth, he'd expected it.

But the sixth… now that time was different.

Battle and storm had ravaged his Pearl. They'd laid up, licking their wounds, for weeks, too remote to send word of their survival. Well, he'd just surprise 'em again, that's all.

But would that little lamp still burn?

One dark night, after finally limping into port, he made his way through the town to her shop and discovered it did.

She opened the door, first to peek, then wrenched it wide. "Jack!"

There was an edge of tears to this, and his smile twisted. "Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated."

She threw herself at him.

He caught her.

When they finally paused for breath, and he said, all a-wonder, "You left the lamp burning."

"Always!" she replied, voice unsteady, but conviction firm. "Long as it was lit, there was hope."



~.~

Comments

[jenthegypsy.livejournal.com]

I'm so happy to have the honor of first comment, because I think none love Molly as much as I. Don't know why, but she has stayed with me since I we met briefly during "The Elusive Norrington" and her 'Freedom' drabble sealed the deal.

I adore you for bringing her back, and for creating this beautiful ease between them.

It wasn't overlong ago that I inquired as to the name of her millinery - and it is here! "*Hatter's Hattery -- Headgear for the Discerning Gentleman*" What a fantastic name! It certainly has elements of Jack in it, and since he had nothing to do with the naming, you've told us that she is of like mind, in many aspects, as he.

Did I say that I adore you? Need I say I adore "Someone Waits"?

Need I say "I'm going to be late for work"...!

More hugs and many thanks from this very pleased daft gypsy -

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I, too, am happy that you were among the first to see this, and the first to comment--I was thinking you would enjoy this, when I wrote it! So glad my assessment was correct! My profuse thanks for leaving such enthusiastic comments.

XO