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Susan ran over to Sabastian, who was stretching after getting out of Mary's tiny sports car. They looked at each other while he raised his arms high into the air and took a deep breath. Susan politely waited until he was done, then jumped into his arms.

"What'd you and Mary talk about?" the little girl asked.

"Nothing of any importance," Sabastian answered.

"Sol and I talked about God."

"Well, I am shocked that Sol was able to converse with you on such a weighty topic," said Sabastian.

"I assure you," Sol interjected, "she had the upper hand the whole time." All four laughed at Sol self depreciating joke, though Sabastian sensed there was a great of truth in the jest.

"Mary," Sabastian started, "Susan needs clothing. I fear I am not as up to date on fashion as you. Would you please take her and buy a fitting wardrobe while Sol and I look at furniture."

"Oh, darling, I would love to," she said, with mock showiness.

"Cool," Susan said, before wriggling down from Sabastian and taking Mary by the hand. She forcibly pulled the vampire to the mall entrance, leaving Sol and Sabastian behind.

Walking and talking, Sol asked "Have you ever talked to Susan about God?"

"No, it does not seem an appropriate topic for a child. I am surprised that you attempted it," Sabastian lied.

"I didn't intend to. It just sort of came up."

"I can only imagine how that came to pass," Sabastian said. "What is your preference, dark or light wood?"

"Dark, but I think I'll look at light for change of pace. Has she ever told you what she thinks of our kind?"

"No, that is another topic that has not arisen."

"She thinks we're God's cups."

"I presume she told you why."

"Yes," Sol responded. "According to her, we hold the souls of our victims until God or Satan comes to take them."

"That is a somewhat romantic view of our unique existence."

"I guess, but I've heard others describe us in a similar way," Sol said.

"I can see where the connection would arise. Although I do not know what you experience when you take a victim, I see their lives. Or at least the important portions."

"Yeah, that's what I experience. It's just, how does Susan know. Do you talk to her about us at all?"

"No, there has never been a need."

"It's like she just knows."

"Yes," Sabastian responded.

"She seems to know a great deal for a child."

"Yes."

"Do you ever wonder how she knows so much?" Sol asked.

"Yes, but I have never dwelt on the topic. She proves prescient more often than not."

"Has she ever been wrong?"

"No, but there are times when figuring out what she is trying to say is difficult. I am more likely to make a mistake than she."

"I'm beginning to believe that she is even more special than Claudia lets on."

"She is the most precious thing in my life."

"I don't doubt that," Sol said. After an awkward pause, he asked, "What did you and Mary talk about?"


[Copyright Reuben Gregg Brewer, 2005. All rights reserved.]
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