Rabbit Hole Carnival: Happy

“Welcome to the Rabbit Hole Carnival, what drink well.. Oh… something up?” Renee asked.

“I… yeah… name is Sarah.” Sarah said. “I don’t know. Just feeling down today.”

“Well nothing a tavern and a drink can’t fix.” Renee replied. “What can I get ya?”

“A Black Sheep’s Gift sounds nice.” Sarah said. “So It’s you and Nick? Where is he?.”

“Handling some tax paperwork.” Renee said. “Always happens around this time of year ya know. Let me get you that order.”

“You’re fine with that?” Sarah asked. “There’s nothing wrong with life?”

“Is this another Mike calling people thing” Renee asked. “Because I’m actually gonna sue, if it that what it is.”

“What?” Sarah asked. “No I… if I offend, I’m sorry. But no, I'm here on anyone's behalf. I was asking because you really do seem like you're okay with this.”

“Well then, Sarah. It was this or dealing with a dad is emotionally abusive as best.” Renee replied. “I mean he is okay when he wants to be, but that doesn’t change the time he flips on a dime.” 

“Well put it that way, this is definitely the better option.” Sarah giggled.

“I’ll be right back.” Renee walked behind there, and made a drink. “There we go. One Black Sheep’s Gift.”

Sarah took a swig. “Oh yeah I did order this. Could’ve walked and totally forgotten.”

“Taverns always have that effect.” Renee said. “There's that place where you go and just talk to forget about the world.”

“They are the places a niece stumbles into just to feel safe.” Nick replied, having walked in. “Everything is good here then. I'll be in the back.”

“Everything is fine.” Sarah said. “Could both your names though?”

“I’m Renee. That’s Nick. Like he said he is my uncle, but he’s been more of a dad than my dad has ever been.”

“Always good to have people like that.” Sarah replied. “So this Mike is your dad then.”

“Was.” Renee said. “He made his choices. I made mine… I’m happy with mine.”

Sarah down her glass. “A refill to ask for?”

“Why would it be?” Renee said. “You sure don’t want to try a different one?”

“Positive.” Sarah said. “Maybe some other time but for now? I’m happy with that one.”