The First Age

Emma held Marta while she said her goodbyes and talked about her parents. The tamales sounded good. And she was going to say something but Marta beat her to it. Emma giggled. "I think Nox might like to watch too. He keeps trying his hand at different things, why not from Mexico. And he might surprise and know how to do it himself. But I think he'd let anyone cook as long as he didn't have to. Though he wouldn't like most of our ideas of cooking."

Emma spoke to Sky. "Sky, can you get Marta a frame and a good rendering of the picture of her parents so she can have one. And make sure Marta gives you a list of groceries to have sent here so she can cook for us one night soon?"

"I can." The computer voice whispered in from the speaker closest to them. It was funny how the AI took into consideration everyone else around them too, just like a normal person.

Marta smiled despite the pain in her chest. Pain she knew would ease in time. It was already lighter, but she thought she understood what had happened. Emma had said it. She had a good life now and could feel things. Not worrying so much about survival allowed her to think of other things, and for the first time, she really had time to grieve her loss.

”Nox can watch and help, but I do want to do most of the cooking myself. I don’t think Nox will mind that.” she said. ”Thanks for thinking of the picture. I don’t think of that. That will be nice to have.”

Marta released the hug and wiped the remaining tears from her face before closing the laptop. ”You’re a good sister, Emma,” she said with a smile. They had always said she was family, but this was the first time she had called one of them sister. ”I think I might have a snack and then try to sleep if I don’t have nightmares.” she sighed. ”Can stay in your and Sophia’s room tonight?” Marta didn’t want to be alone tonight. Elyse would be back when she was done with work, so it wouldn’t be terrible if Emma said no. Marta didn’t think it would be a problem though.