Rabbit Hole Carnival: Memento

Renee walked downstairs holding Inky. “Oh, hey. Haven’t seen this in quite awhile.”

“It’s a good reminder of why you do this, if nothing else.” Nick replied. “Not sure what else imma get out of this tonight.”

“What were you trying to make?” Renee, took a swing of a random mug. 

“Not that one!” Nick said, too late.

“Oh god… ugh…” Renee, cough a bit, and put the mug down. “That’s worse than my tomatoes one.”

“Water first.” Nick replied, handing her two glasses. “Here. a much better example.”

After chugging some water, Renee took a swig of the new glass. “Interesting…. Kind of a Planted Shocking Apple?”

“Something like that.” Nick replied. “Just something that reflects both of us being here, and calling it home.”

Renee set Inky down on the counter. “Why won’t you make the Shocking Apple?”

“This again?” Nick replied.” Because—”

“No, really think about it.” Renee said. “Really think and actually say why you won’t make the first drink I ever made. You don’t have to give me the answer, but if this is what you wanna make you do have to actually think that way.”

 “Why do I want this?” Nick said. “What’s that really matters?”

“It matters to you.” Renee replied. “Doesn’t that count for something? certainly counted when I needed someone that night.”

“Don’t just —” Nick sighed, as Renee tilted her head.

“Don’t just what, Daddy?” Renee asked.

“What did you want that night?” Nick asked. “Why did you just fall asleep on the couch?”

“Because I was safe.” Renee said. “Mike was running wild, never told me anything, he never does. Told me to get out, so I did. I wasn’t thinking that night, but there was one place that I could go. So I knock on that door, because it’s the Rabbit Hole. It’s the one little place that planted itself in the ground and I said I could find a memory there.”

“I… I wanted a drink reflective of that. Haven’t made one in a while, but I wanted too.” Nick said. “Actually, was gonna ask you tomorrow.”

Renee took another swig. “ Memento… Memento Mori.”

“That’s…” Nick, took a swig himself. “Rather fitting. Where are you going?”

“To bed.” Renee replied. “Only reason I was up tonight is because the light was on.”

“Renee! Inky?” Nick asked.

“Naw.” Renee replied “He wants to help daddy tonight.”

“Still gonna instant on that one, hun?” Nick.

It was at that moment Renee turned around with heels. “Mike doesn’t get to just fix everything. Neither does Adam. and if you insist on being that annoying tonight, then you should remember to focus on the fact that came here that night. In my coldest, darkest hour, in the moment I was just struggling I. planted. myself. here. So yes, I am going to insist on it. I’m going to keep doing it. Because some people are true family, and others did some things they can never undo. You’re daddy because you picked up where others didn’t. You trusted that I wanted the Occultic Five, and brought Inky. I trust you with things, which is not a thing I always get to do! But I get to do it here.”

“So that’s why you’re still around.” Nick said.

“Now who’s insistent?” Renee asked. “I’m still around, because I chose to be.