Brass Bombshell played by @Pretty Hate
The blonde girl tapped on the heavy wooden door tentatively. Dad? No answer. She knocked again, harder this time. A crash sounded and she cringed as footsteps moved towards her.
One second dear! Her father's voice was calm as he moved things out of the way to get access to the entrance. The door opened and he smiled kindly at his only child. I'm sorry Victoria darling, I've been in here a long time again, haven't I?
Victoria nodded, scuffing her running shoes against each other. That's ok, daddy, I understand. She was tall for her age, all long arms and legs like a colt. Fidgeting made it more obvious. I know you don't like to be interrupted, but I... Her mouth went dry and she tucked her hands behind her back. I fixed something, sorta... More nervous movement. Can you... I mean... Do you mind... She stopped talking and looked down, letting her long hair fall in front of her face.
Of course I'll have a look! Her father excitedly wiped his hands on the tough leather apron that he donned for creating his inventions. Backing up, he gestured for her to follow him into his workshop, a cluttered mess of half-finished, forgotten creations and miscellaneous items. Every available surface was covered in bits of things, gears, tools, scribbled notes and detritus. Once in a while she tried to tidy up, but it was mostly an excuse to explore. Since her mother passed away, this space had grown increasingly chaotic, albeit making sense to the man that worked here. Victoria carefully picked her way through, making sure to not touch anything, though her eyes drank in each detail that had changed since she was last inside. He guided her towards the main work area and pulled up a stool, quickly clearing debris off of it. Now, let me see.
Victoria carefully handed over the precious package, warm from being held, and sat down. A small music box, made by her father for her mother before she was born. The lid hadn't worked properly in years, and there was a loose gear inside, but he was never allowed to fix it because she didn't want him to make any of his improvements. I don't need this to be made fancy. She would say, gently taking it from his hands. I love it the way it is. Don't. Touch. It. The humour in her words took the edge off, but he knew better than to push it.
Her father put the box down on the table and pulled over a magnifying glass. His eyes went wide. It's... perfect. Exactly the way it was before.. Except.. The young girl kept her hands nervously in her lap as he inspected it further, opening it to see the gears inside as quiet strains of Somewhere Over the Rainbow drifted out. Oh my, I never thought of that.. He looked at her with new appreciation. She always said you had my mind, even though you are her spitting image. I suppose I should have listened. Handing the music box back, he leaned forward to clasp her shoulder. Victoria, my dear. You are going to be my new assistant.
2011-04-30 16:17:54 by
damianamae, on Flickr
