Ehe was sitting on a grand blue sofa. The chandelier was right above her head. It was dragon shaped, and its golden light revealed half of Ehe's face. She was wearing a long red frock, with thin golden lines. Her chin was cupped in her hands. She wore an unreadable expression, but it for sure wasn't of any fear whatsoever. Richard stood on the red carpet and looked around. Book stacks piling up to cover an entire wall, red roses hanging from fan, The Tree whose vines were spread on the wall; everything was same. That's until he looked out of the glass wall – the beautiful dry lianas hanging from the roof was half burned..
He coughed before starting to get her attention. "Uh hey, Ehe-"
"I was only lighting my cigar. I guess dry things catch fire quicker. Same thing goes for you too, old chap."
" That's not convincing, c'mon girl. I know what really happened."
Richard's butt sank deep as he sat in front of Ehe. She smelled of Vicks. Her blue eyes moved and she looked at him for the first time, and forcing a smile, said:
"None to convince if I don't file a case."
"You serious?"
"As much as I can get. I can forgive her, you know, though.. this may be the last time."
She continued, not blinking once. "Thanks for coming, Richard. But I've made my decision." She jittered a bit and stood up. "If you don't want juice, you may get going."
This hurt him. She was being way too formal.
"What if I want?"
"You know you don't. Please, I need my space right now.". She was compulsively shaking her feet now:
"I'm sorry, Chad. The thing isn't just this. It's also about father and the business. I may start getting really rude, and hurt you."
"I understand, dear. Take care."
Richard stood and tightly hugged Ehe. She was really warm and her breath was unsteady.
"I really needed that." She said.
Ehe punched Richard on the chest and turned around. She then walked inside, dragging her long index fingernail – straight as a blade - through the ground.
Richard exited out the door, drunk as a woodpecker, head bobbing and leg limping. He was satisfied.
Why is she so funny. And rich. And popular?
Did I just befriended a Colonel?... Did I just become (??)
What was it? Did I become a.. colonel? EH. I am a Colonel!? OH! I can salute now!
Richard looked to his left and saluted the equally drunk Robert. Who saluted back.. and fell.
"Yeah, you don't get to do that." Cuz I am.. I am what again?
He moved his head up to get a clue and stupidly stared at the sky, his finger in his mouth. He didn't get it. Argh. Richard got frustrated. He threw his pocket comb to the ground, and staggered forward.
A man, opening car door, was running towards Richard. It was his driver-of-the-day. He reached for Richard, held him by his shoulder and helped him to the cab.
That's when Richard remembered (!). So he guffawed and blurted "Kur-nul need naw sapporch" And fell flat on the seat.