I swallowed hard and nodded gently, "We'll... I suppose I am an idiot, in numerous ways... Enjoy your gift..." I murmured, gave him a pained smile, and retreated. When I had returned to the safety of my Lincoln Towncar sitting outside, I started bawling, and just say in the drivers seat to cry.
When Jonathan left, Crane took his time finishing the cigarette, absorbing he nicotine and letting it fill his lungs before releasing it into the air to watch the patterns the smoke made.
No, his birthday held no special place in his heart. Dearest Granny had seen to that quite well, be regardless his eyes slide over to the wrapped package still laying on the counter.
Jonathan was different from him in so many ways. This was one of them.
He sighed, pressing the end of the cigarette out before saving what remained for later. His bones cracked as he stood, making his way over to the package, neatly opening it and folding the paper as he looked over the book. Grimm's Fairy Tales, a rather nice copy to add to his collection.













