@rinascitadi
continued from x !
Having known each other for centuries, it established the grounds for the type of friendship that could withstand ebb and flow. Or in this case, a mutual understanding of what's needed at certain times. In this case, having Arthur's company, nothing more and nothing less, was a godsend. They had sat in silence for what felt like ages, with nothing but the occasional sound of tea cups clinking and smoke being exhaling to fill in inconsequential gaps.
Nations, who manage to stand despite so many happenings, live for a long time — seemingly eternal. So what was one expected to do with an eternity on their shoulders? Some days pass and are easier, while other days come and feel much more difficult ( with all those burdens of the past to bear. )
"Shall I put on more hot water? Our drinks are getting cold." Júlio moves finally put out his most recent cigarette in an ash tray. "Claro, you're welcomed to stay for dinner, if you have the time. Thank you for being here, Arthur."
He has never been the best provider of comfort—at least, not the type of comfort that is oft demanded of close relations, full of hackneyed words of consolation, saccharine inflections. What he can provide is this: a temperate, steady presence; a gentle hand on one’s shoulder; and most importantly, good-quality tea.
He understands. He has days like these, too, when the world seems a bit too bleak and dull, another retelling of the same useless and tiresome story. Of course, moping could not be indulged too long; but it could serve as a brief moment of rest from the world, before one returned to reality.
He lifts his gaze from his book, one he’s stolen from Júlio’s shelf, when the other speaks. “Yes, that would be nice. And you never have to thank me for being in your company,” he assures the other, blowing another cloud of smoke through his lips. “Always pleased to spend time with an old friend. I could stay for dinner, too. Are you cooking, or do you want to order something?”
