Here's a late night snapshot inspired by a tumblr challenge



Christmas eve had always been with her father, Christmas day with her mother. It had been that way for as long as she could remember, and they never celebrated together. It worked, and she relished having two (and sometimes three) Christmases a year rather than just the one.

However, the holidays were significantly less fun now that her mother wasn’t around. Last Christmas had been hard despite spending it with the Trishnas. What Juni didn’t expect was for this one to be just as raw.

“We’ll open presents, pack a lunch, and wander around the secret corridors until dinnertime.” Mihai had promised as both a distraction and a way to spend time together. It was something different to look forward to. She hoped that it was a new tradition in the making. Their new home was ancient and full of strange rooms and entrances to underground tunnels; she was glad that it helped quell his wanderlust.

Juni sat across from him, mirroring both his relaxed pose and his meal– a slice of buttered toast in one hand and a mug of hot, creamy coffee in the other. Neither commented on the extra place setting between them.

“You haven’t visited your cousin yet.” Mihai noted, “Moira McBird.”

“McBoid!” Juni replied, doing her best to sound scandalized on her behalf.

“Yes. Yes, her. From your letters, I thought you would want to….” He cleared his throat, “She’s with her boyfriend, then?” He said with a tone that very clearly implied that Juni and her friends were not of an age to start dating.

“She’s spending time with the habanero.”

“What?”

“The pepper.”

“Jesus did not die for our sins in order for your friend to spend Christmas with a habanero.”

“Jesus did not die for our sins so that I could have a smartass for a dad.”

Mihai raised his eyebrows, a hint of a smile flashing across his features. “Like father like daughter.” He quipped, “Watch your language.”

Juni leaned forward, squinting at him as he struggled to keep his face stern, like a father should when properly chastising his child.

“Are we going to church this year? They make baby Jesus sound positively–”

“Juni.“ He warned her. If you make another joke about cannibalizing –”

She gave him a sly grin and pushed on, “Tender and mild.” 

“No more jokes about cannibalizing our lord and savior. If Vovó heard you speak like that, she’d throw her shoes at you. If the shoe missed, she’d hex you. ”     

“You’re not going to tell her that I speak like that, because then I’ll tell her that you have given up the single life, and are ready to settle down with one of the eligible women she’s been trying to get you to marry for the last twenty years.” Juni took a triumphant bite of her toast, basking in her own glory.

He held up his hands in defeat, chuckling. “Enough, enough.” Mihai said, "Stop.”

Juni shrugged, trying not to look as smug as she felt. If this was how the holiday was starting, it was going to be a good one.

The moment was lost as he froze, dropped his toast on his plate, and put his hand in the pocket of his robes.

Her expression sobered. “No. No.” Juni shook her head, “Absolutely not. No!”

Mihai pulled out his pocketwatch; it was warm to the touch and practically humming. With a squeeze and a flick of his wand, he would be gone.   “Minha filha, I’m sorry.” He grimaced apologetically. “I have to go.”

“No, it’s Christmas eve– we–we had plans!” She protested, voice growing shrill. “How, how long? An hour?”

“I can’t know that.” Mihai sighed, “They wouldn’t activate this if it wasn’t serious.”

“I don’t care.” Juni bit her lip, “Please stay.” Her words hung between them. A silent shaking of his head tossed them aside.

“I’m going to work, Juni.” He replied. The set of his jaw and the bite in his tone told her that it was not debatable.   

She suddenly felt very small. “I don’t want you to go.” The words were insignificant– they wouldn’t do anything, but they had to be said.

“I know, I know.” He sighed, “I’ll owl you when I find out how long I’ll be gone.” Mihai paused, “Do you want to visit–” Her withering stare cut him off. “I love you. I’ll try not to be long.”

Juni looked down at her coffee; it was no longer appetizing. He always chose work before her. It was the way he was. Family was important, but it had never been as important as his job. It never would be.