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Patricia Reding
a book bubble about
Ephemeral and Fleeting
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
Retrospect
About three years ago, my father passed away. In truth, I didn't have a close relationship with him. He was from an age that would seem foreign to many people today. While I was growing up, he was, principally, the harsh disciplinarian. In retrospect, I see him as a man who worked extremely hard for his family. He must have been exhausted and stressed at all times, wondering how he'd make ends meet for a family of ten. I don't think he ever experienced much joy, unless it came from a sense of knowing that he held up and saw things through. Shortly after his death, my sisters and I found a few photos we had of him as a young adult. Looking at them objectively, I can see that my dad was quite handsome, indeed. In a couple of the pictures, he is smiling broadly. In truth, I'm not sure I ever saw that smile on his face - and I remember saying after his death, that I couldn't recall ever having heard him laugh. Looking at those photos is for me, similar to what Reigna and Eden experienced here. In any case, I hope my father is smiling and laughing and filled with joy now.
Book Excerpt
Ephemeral and Fleeting
Mara reached into the rosewood box and retrieved another item. “This also belonged to your mother,” she said, placing it in Reigna’s hand. “Dixon retrieved it after her death. I understand that she wore it at all times.”
Inside the locket clasped to a chain that Mara had given her, Reigna discovered two miniature paintings. She showed them to Eden and to Vida. The picture on the left was of a man, that on the right, clearly one of their mother.
Pointing at the likeness on the left, Mara held Reigna’s gaze. “That was your father, Grant. His portrait was never painted and hung on the wall here. As you know, he wasn’t born of the Select. I don’t know if the decision was made not to include it under those circumstances, or if they’d simply not managed to get one commissioned before his death.”
Reigna examined the item closely. “I’ve always wondered what father looked like.” She glanced at Vida. “He was very handsome.”
“He was indeed.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Mara said.
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