FC Apogee 2017

***

The sun slowly descended over the roofs of houses as Purple and Orange sat in a swingset situated behind the house, challenging each other to see who could get the highest swing, resulting in taunts and a vehement tournament between the two. Blue cautiously watched the two through a window. But before long, she allowed her mind to trail off. The children’s screams and shouts were replaced with worries and curiosities.

“Why did Red do it? Why didn’t I ever think he wouldn’t do it?”

She looked down at her legs and tightened her fist. “I mean, it’s not my fault that I can’t use my legs anymore. . . but ever since he’s always been so fond of Yellow. What was I to him?”

The screen door creaked open and both children ran in, out of breath.

Blue quickly turned to them asking who won. The two then started disputing who the victor was when Blue interrupted them, telling them to wash up before waiting in the living room. As Yellow started to walk towards the kitchen, Orange stood and stared at Blue.

“When is Red getting back?”

“Soon enough, they just went out to get tomatoes. It’s only been forty minutes.”

Blue was trying to reassure herself more than Orange, but still she smiled.

She repeated her order and quickly came back to her thoughts.

“Well, whatever I was to Red, Yellow is now.” ***

Red was beginning to feel his hands prune under the soapy water. “I don’t know how you ladies made such a huge mess, but it figures that I’m the one that has to clean up after you.”

Yellow laughed as she stroked the head of her son. “You wouldn’t think that kids their age would want to fall asleep so soon in the evening.”

Blue sighed and looked to Purple who was snoring on the floor. “Well, they’re tired. I suppose I’m a little tired, too.”

“It was especially tiring for Orange. He’s spent the whole night following Red and mimicking his every move. It’s so cute!” Yellow shined.

“It makes sense, though. He doesn’t really have a father in his life.”

“Right. . .” Yellow murmured, losing her sunny demeanor.

“It’s amazing.” Blue continued, “They’re not even related and Orange seems so much like Red, but I suppose he just gets that from shadowing him all the time, huh?”

“I suppose. . .”

“I hope that you two aren’t getting too somber in there!” Red interrupted with a hollow chortle. He turned off the sink and placed the last of the dishes on a hand towel to dry. Drying off his own hands, he playfully strolled towards the 20