[M] Plagued Encounters (Sparkz and NoviDome)

[Sparkz]

Roger pulled his hand back. He looked at her before eating his dinner again.

[NoviDome]

Maeva gently took his hand under the table and gave a light squeeze.

[Sparkz]

Roger glanced at Maeva and forced himself to smile. He couldn't let himself feel too depressed around Milly.

[NoviDome]

Maeva squeezed his hand again and smiled back. She knew he was trying really hard to be strong.
As dinner progressed, Milly got a little worse. She didn't like the prospect of going back home, and she knew she would have to once dinner was over. So she ate slowly, and took her time drinking water before she finally finished her plate. Maeva smiled at the kids and got up to clear the table.

[Sparkz]

Roger smiled back at Maeva and squeezed her hand as he kept an eye on Milly. He noted how slowly she ate and realized that she didn't want to return home. He glanced at Maeva as she started to clear the table. "Hey kids, let's go to the dock. There should be fireflies starting to come out." He said. David's face lit up.
"Fireflies?! Let's go!" He ran to get his shoes back on. "Come on Milly!"

[NoviDome]

Milly looked between David and his father before getting up to get her shoes as well.

[Sparkz]

Roger took each of their hands and walked to the dock. He pointed out the fireflies that were just starting to appear. "There they are. Do you see them?" He asked softly. The fireflies were blinking in and out of sight over the water and all over their front yard.

[NoviDome]

Milly stared at them, speechless. As she took in the sight, her lips curled into a soft smile, and her eyes slowly filled with tears.

[Sparkz]

David watched them with his eyes wide and his mouth wide open in wonder. He had seen this sight before but it was still just as amazing each time.

[NoviDome]

Milly silently started to cry and held her little hands close to her chest. It almost felt like Harry was here, communicating with her through the fireflies. She thought so because despite Maeva's efforts, she hadn't felt actual joy all day until now.