A Little Tenderness

Keira Murphy Age: 32 Physical Therapist English transplant, by way of Hawaii, moved from LA now living in San Francisco.

[max-beatty-deactivated20200218]

“Aw, cheers. I’m glad to have met a native Brit around these parts.” Max grinned, pleased at the sight of a fellow Englander. “If I may ask, what’s got you traveling all over the world? Is it work-related?” He inquired, raising an eyebrow. “Yes, I have, but this is the quickest route to my apartment by Upper Market and time is of the essence.”

[keiramurphy-phd]

“Yeah, there seems to be a few of us around but we’re still overrun aren’t we?” She chuckled. “Well, it’s somewhat work related but not always my own. I moved from Leeds to Honolulu when I was thirteen due to my father getting better work out there. Then after I graduated I was accepted to University in Los Angeles and started my residency out down there. Eventually my partner and I opened up our own practice together and it was doing so well that we decided to open one here. He runs that one and I’ve come to run the one here.” She said with a small shrug. Her moving around had really just been one presented opportunity after the next. “Ah? Well, we might very well be neighbours then. I guess I can understand that. Time is money, right?”

[ezracallaghan-blog]

“Is it? It’s very small especially when you’ve lived here you whole life… But you’re British right?” he asked. Her accent wasn’t obvious but he could hear it. Ezra chuckled. “Well, there was this particular one – like this kid asked Clyde for a miracle. And when he asked why she wanted it, she answered that it’s going to take a miracle to save her Nana so she wants it.” That story always got to him even though it has been some time. 

[keiramurphy-phd]

“Well, I’m sure it does feel that way for anyone stuck anywhere for most their lives. And yes— I am, indeed. Though I’ve been calling America my home for some time now.” She knew her accent was still present though it had definitely faded over the years and became more subtle. Still, there were certain words pronounced that one could easily catch that she wasn’t originally from these parts. Keira placed her hand against her chest as she heard the man recall one of the stories. “Oh my god, that is so heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. See, it’s moments like that that you really have to appreciate others.” She said with a soft smile.

[rileyhxrrington]

“I’ve learned to never be surprised by drunkards in a bar.”

“Grew tired implies that I once enjoyed them. The holidays have never been my favorite time of year.”

[keiramurphy-phd]

“Well, that is quite true. There is always something.”

“Are we speaking all holidays in general or just the ones during this time of year specifically?”

[dakotaxatwood]

“I’m originally from Massachusetts, and somehow I’m the only one of my siblings to have inherited this impossibly pale complexion that doesn’t agree with the sun,” Delilah complained jokingly. “That almost sounds similar to how my parents met. How long have you been together?”

[keiramurphy-phd]

“Can’t say I’ve ever been. What brought you all the way out here from over there, if I may ask?” She couldn’t help but find herself a little curious. She let out a soft chuckle, knowing the woman’s pain. “You should have seen me when I had first moved to Hawaii from Leeds. I was so often red as a lobster because I was not used to so much sun. SPF became my friend very quickly.” She raised a brow and smiled. “Oh really? I think it was nice how it worked out for us. We both needed time to really get into the swing of things. We’ve been together around ten months now.”

[tobiasedwardsrp-blog]

Tobias nodded as he listened to what she said, about how she lived in LA before moving to San Francisco. When she said she had lived in Honolulu and England too, Tobias was intrigued. There was something about people who had traveled a lot. He couldn’t help but find them fascinating, for some weird reason. “Well, that’s actually not too bad of an idea actually,” he said and grinned at the suggestion of making a homemade one. “I’m not exactly the best with needles but I guess I could at least give it a go.” He grinned and nodded. “Oh, yeah, well, I— Every year I visit the kids department at the hospital and give out presents and stuff. And for some reason, every year, I keep forgetting about it,” Tobias spoke softly. He knew why he forgot about it; ti was because of the doctor poking around inside his brain a couple of years ago, but he didn’t say.

[keiramurphy-phd]

“Just don’t be afraid of the needle. It can smell your fear and you have to be in control and not let it control you.” She said with a grin. “But really, it’s not as hard as you might think. Just a bit time consuming.” She listened as he mentioned why he was in need of a suit and her smile broadened. “Oh wow, well that is very general and lovely of you to do. I think the kids wouldn’t mind what you wore though. I’m sure they’d be ecstatic either way.”

[therealnicolepeltz]

“Well, according to society I should be shamed, but I agree,” she admitted with a few nods and a soft laugh. Nicole made her best attempt to cover her face with her hair just like she’d rehearsed in the mirror a few times that morning, but she could still feel the woman’s eyes on her. She bit her lip, giving up. “I will, I promise,” she smiled for a second. “It doesn’t, just when I touch it, but I mean… it’s pretty recent. I’ll- it’ll be alright tomorrow, I think.”

[keiramurphy-phd]

“Well society shames many things but I find that I don’t always agree on them. Besides, if it makes you happy then who cares if the vast majority doesn’t agree. It’s not hurting any of them, after all.” She offered a kind smile. She could tell that the young woman was trying to hide the bruise so she did her best not to draw too much attention to it to cause the girl to feel ashamed or insecure. “Alright, if you say so then I’ll take your word for it. As I said though, put a cold compress to it when you can and it will help reduce the swelling much faster. I hope it heals up quickly.”

[drryansimmons-blog]

“Aaahh, was it the first time you met his family?” he asked, unsure. “But his family is great and they’d definitely love you.” He had always liked Keira’s company and the fact that she never sees him too much of a child. In fact, Keira was a sport, usually indulging him in jokes and teasing. “Yeah, with Bailey and my brother in LA. She’s still stuck there and I can’t have her spending Christmas alone. Plus I was missing her a little too much,” Ryan admitted before grinning at Keira. 

[keiramurphy-phd]

“Oh no, I’ve met them a few times. When Seb’s dad was in the hospital I spent some time here with the family, helping out where I could.” She smiled and nodded, “They are very wonderful though and they do seem to like me which I’m very relieved about.” She let out a small laugh. “Aww, well that if very sweet. How are they both doing by the way? I could only imagine how lonely it must be to be away from your other half for so long. You know if you ever need company though Sebastian and I will be happy to entertain you until Bailey can get her arse over here.”

[opheiaxpierce-deactivated202311]

“Keira,” Wren repeated the name, letting it linger between them a bit, “I don’t think I’ve ever met a Keira before. What an original name.” She smiles softly happy Keira had gotten the silly transition in to introducing themselves. She eyed the woman as she seemed prepared to disagree with her thoughts on Frozen, an obvious sigh escaping her lips…okay so she didn’t disagree with her outwardly, but she didn’t want to push it. She got feisty when trying to defend movies she enjoyed. “Sophia the First, I can’t say I have,” Wren said, searching her mind for some kind of connection. “But absolutely like you said, I don’t think it’s anytime soon that girls will be playing with knights and engineers rather than princess barbie. Hell, my favorite princess was Cinderella growing up so I’m no better than the rest.” She smiles softly thinking back to a happy time in her youth for a brief moment. “Oh, well yes of coarse. Although, if he’s just a boyfriend…I think he should maybe be a fiance before he starts asking any further for kids right? How long have you been dating?”

[keiramurphy-phd]

“Really? Oh well, I guess I could also say the same for your name as well.” She returned the smile. “It’s a Disney program all about princesses and one in particular who is adopted into the royal family when her mom marries a king. A bit of a change for the usual princess meeting her prince charming.” She mused over the woman’s words, shrugging lightly. “I honestly don’t think kids really mind. I think if we didn’t push the gender boundaries on them they’d play with just about anything. After all, their imaginations are so expanse that anything can become anything else.” She smiled, though she tried not to get too into debatable views. “However, I’m right there with you though I always preferred Aurora a bit more to Cinderella.” She let out a genuine laugh at the woman’s statement. “Oh no, I agree completely with you there. He hasn’t really asked per say, we’ve just talked about either of us see ourselves having kids in the future. We just wanted to make sure we were on the same page. We’ve been together for 10 months now which really isn’t that long and I’m not sweating it but he’s all worried about his time running thin.” She shook her head, letting out a sigh. Honestly she understood Sebastian’s worries but she also thought he worried about too much about the whole family aspect.

[its-karahart-deactivated2016010]

“I know a guy in this karaoke place and he can pull a good deal for us. Just hit me up when you and your buddies are free.” She smiled. “They’re practically the reason why I do covers so… you know, I just do what makes them happy. And umm… yeah, I guess. I’m kind of lucky to have them, yeah. I’m taking up Music Production at the moment. I’m still a Junior so I still got a long way to go.”

[keiramurphy-phd]

“Really? Oh well that would be great! I’ll definitely have to do that whenever we’re all free.” She smiled brightly. “That is amazing though. I very much commend you on that. And I also wish you luck with your schooling. I’ll say I definitely had some fond memories during my time at Uni though I can’t say I miss all the work.” She let out a laugh.

[vinnielombardi-blog]

“I mean, she was nice and all. I think you sorta gotta be in on the joke. Just go in and tell the lady what she wants to here. At least worth a few yucks.” He shrugged. “I dun’ really believe in that stuff anyway. I mean, big bearded guy living in the sky. But not psychics.”

[keiramurphy-phd]

“Well that’s good at least. She didn’t tell you any really bad news, did she?”She asked. She nodded her head as he spoke, seeing as how someone could get some entertainment out of something like that. “Ah, so was it just sort of a curiosity thing or out of sheer boredom?”

[sebastianpres]

Haven ran a hand through her hair and let out a breath, “ I’m so sorry, really. It’s honestly all my fault. “ She was way too clumsy at the moment. Just this morning she almost slipped in the shower. All because of these stupid holidays and her family coming to San Francisco for it. “ I’m okay, are you though? Is your phone alright? “ 

[keiramurphy-phd]

Keira held up her hands in a no harm done gesture before turning the face of her phone in the other woman’s direction. “It’s all good. No damage done.” She reassured her. “We both weren’t looking so it’s not all yours to blame. As long as neither of us are hurt then I think everything is fine. Are you alright?” She asked, wanting to make sure the other female was also fine.

[danielriggs-h]

“I think that guy is way too in, though,” he said with a sad look in his eyes. Even though he’d laughed at the man a few minutes ago, that was the real emotion behind it all. “Oh, really? That sounds neat, and… awesome!” His eyes lit up to an idea. “Well, maybe I can take that man’s job, dress up, come and cheer people up? I like making people smile. And helping. And… stuff.”

[keiramurphy-phd]

Keira gave a sad smile at the man’s comment. He was probably right. Addicts were are hard case to crack and it always saddened her to see someone fall into that hole knowing how difficult getting out could be. At his suggestion, Keira beamed brightly. She could never say know to someone who was willing to volunteer and help out. “Really? That would be amazing actually.” She said, “It can be a bit tough for some people and they can get so easily discouraged so it would be nice to have someone stop by and try to lift their spirits and their moralities.”

[opheiaxpierce-deactivated202311]

Wren nods as the woman talks, she seemed so wise and kind that she so badly wanted to take her advice, but she knew all too well she was better at listening and giving advice than actually following it, so she just smiled in agreement. “A bird…huh I wouldn’t have thought” Wren chuckles, “that reminds me, did I catch your name? I’m Wren. Wren Evergreen. And you are?” She smiles waiting for a response, hoping she understood the connection between her name and birds. “Well who doesn’t like Frozen? It’s a children’s movie masterpiece if you ask me. Just worries me sometimes how small girls can become obsessed with princesses sometimes. Although Anna and Elsa are far from being as helpless as Cinderella was…” She pauses. “Mmm, babysitting yes. They are quite bundles of joy for a small time. After a few days of crying you’re spent, but then you miss them when they leave. Odd how it works.”

[keiramurphy-phd]

“Oh, right I’m sorry...” Keira realized she hadn’t even introduced herself. She suddenly felt so rude towards the other woman and a slight guilt rose up inside of her. She smiled though as she heard the woman’s name. What a coincidence, she thought. She offered the woman a warm smile. “It’s lovely to meet you, Wren. That is a very lovely and very fitting name for the conversation.” She chuckled softly. “I’m Keira Murphy.” She let out a small sigh at the mention of Frozen. Honestly Keira was a bit burned out by the film after being forced to watch it a million times over but then again it wasn’t all that bad. “ Well they’re so much in the media it’s hard not to. Everywhere you look it’s princess things and fairy tales. Though I don’t suppose it’s all bad and as you said, the princesses of today are much better role models than the ones of more our generations. Have you seen Sophia the First? Sarah also likes that show as well.” She nodded in agreement, “It is quite funny. I like having the ability to relax for a time after but I do miss her as soon as she’s gone. I know my boyfriend wants a kid of his own sometime but for now I think I’m satisfied with our set up.”

[its-karahart-deactivated2016010]

“I love karaokes! We should totally go to one when you’re not busy and stuff.” She grinned. “It’s actually a blessing in disguise. I’ll be one of the most indecisive persons you’ll ever meet so half the time, I wouldn’t know what to sing just because I can’t decide on my own. I think it’s a tie between I Won’t Give Up and Safe and Sound. They’re both in my YouTube channel together with the other covers I’ve made. My dad actually suggested that I should just drop out of college and she’ll take care of me and my career but I really, really want a degree before… venturing into the business.”

[keiramurphy-phd]

“I would love that, actually. I usually go with my boyfriend and a few others but the more the merrier! Though I’m sure you’d outshine me by a long shot.” She laughed. “Oh, well I can definitely understand that. It’s still pretty amazing though that you do that for your fans. I’ll definitely give your channel a look as soon as I have the time. Your parents sound like they’re very supportive of whatever you want to do. That is very nice. What field of study are you getting your degree in, or received your degree in?”

[scarlettxcarmichael]

Despite the woman’s kind words, Scarlett still flushed with embarrassment. The last thing she wanted was for people think she was careless with the child she looked after. “I thought he just wanted to rebel against whatever I told him to but I never thought of it that way before,” she admitted, moving a toy car closer with her foot. CJ looked up at the other woman and gave her a bashful smile. “I think he likes you,” Scarlett said, mimicking the child’s happy nature.

[keiramurphy-phd]

Keira smiled warmly at the woman before looking back down at the child. She loved children. She spent time with Sebastian’s niece all the time and found herself easily getting baby fever whenever she was around her. “I think he’s a bit young for that. Or at least we can only hope so right? It would be a bit bad if he’s starting that already.” She said with a small chuckle. As the boy looked up at her and smiled, Keira crouched down so that she was more to his level. “Oh wow, that is a cool car you have there!” She beamed at the child. “How old is he, if I may ask?” She said, looking back towards the other woman.”

[clementine-thornton-blog]

“The holidays are just the bleeding worst when you’re an adult. Honestly, what’s the point?”

[keiramurphy-phd]

“Nostalgia perhaps? Or the feeling of unity if you’re actually with family.” Keira shrugged. “I personally just like the traditional feel of it. It’s familiar and comforting.”

[marcellablake]

“Yeah, honestly? It doesn’t even feel like Christmas. Not for me anyway– these past two years have been kinda rough.”

[keiramurphy-phd]

“This has been the first Christmas for me in many years which actually felt like Christmas but that might just be because it was the first one I’ve spent with an actual family in a while.”