Pawl: A Fictional Narrative

Drea threw up her hands in playful resignation. “I suppose we can.” “We will do more than make it work. The three of us will be happy together for all our days. Hopefully more than three of us in the future.” Her gaze shifted away from him. “Gawain, I lost my last pregnancy. Who knows what’ll happen with the next one.” “Look at me.” With a gentle nudge, he tilted her face back toward him. “You and Wallace are all I need. If we have more children, wonderful. If not, I am perfectly satisfied with the two of you.” “This feels so strange, the reality of it.” “Does it?” Gawain cocked his head to the side. “Or does it feel just right?” “I feel excited, mostly, but I’m nervous about the changes. I am not sure you’ll be pleased with one of my suggestions.” …show more content…

“Footwork’s fine next week, but nothing that would result in a hit to the body or overuse of that arm.” He glanced up from his work. “Sorry, maybe I’ll just… Step out for a little while…” With a sheepish expression, Pawl left the infirmary. Wallace gazed up at Gawain. “Can we train anyway?” “No, I’m afraid not. If you listen to Pawl now, that’ll mean fewer problems later with your arm. And you want to be a knight, don’t you?” Wallace nodded his head up and down vigorously. “Good, then you’ll heed Pawl. But there’s something else your mother and I need to discuss with you.” “All right. Do you mind if I lean my head on you? I’m tired.” Gawain pulled Wallace against him. “My arm is all yours.” Gawain’s gaze flicked to Drea. “Do you want to tell him?” She dropped to her knees before Wallace and took his hands. “Son, Gawain and I have decided we are going to marry.” Any sign of fatigue evaporating, Wallace sat up like a shot and pumped his right fist in the air. “I knew it! I told Sir Gawain you would get married.” His head whipped toward Gawain. “May I stand up for …show more content…

“I wouldn’t dream of having anyone else by my side.” “When is the wedding?” asked Wallace. Gawain ruffled his hair. “Tomorrow, mid-morning. Right here.” “Will I get to wear a sword?” Wallace shook with excitement. “You will.” A ceremonial one, but Wallace didn’t need to know that. Wallace’s knees bobbed up and down. “Does that mean you’re my father now, Sir Gawain? Because I want that.” He asked hastily, “But can I have two fathers?” Gawain had expected this question, but he had never formulated a suitable reply, which forced him to speak from the heart. “You can have two fathers, the one who helped create you and the one who helped raise you. But we must never forget your father, Barri, and honor him whenever we can.” “I can leave an offering at the Goddess Table for him at the Harvest Festival, and you won’t be cross?” Gawain’s throat tightened with emotion. “Never. I’ll leave an offering, too. I owe much to your father. His passing brought you and your mother into my life, so I will honor him until I die.” “When the day comes, and you see my father in the Other World, what will you say?” “That’s easy. I’ll hug him and thank