“How are you doing back there, buddy?” His voice is low he’s trying not to wake me up.
Ben takes a few minutes before he answers, but finally he does. “Traveling is boring.”
I imagine him drawing pictures in the window with his little finger.
“I know, but at least you're going to see your mommy and daddy, aren't you excited about that?”
Gotcha, this is what you wanted information, as always.
It's not a surprise that Bruno can't help but be, well…him. Last night when we talked in the kitchen, I had looked at the laptop out of the corner of my eye and I confirmed what I assumed he was doing.
Investigating Ben's family.
“Yes, but…” like every child, his replies short, and Bruno starts to pressure him for answers.
“But what?”
He's suspicious.
I'm surprised at the tone of voice he chooses when is about Ben; he seems cheerful and carefree.
I had catalogued the different tones he uses for different people, for example, when he’s worried, his tone is low, thick and monotonous. When he talks about his family, his pace is slow and affectionate. When “The Professor” is in the house, he uses few words and chooses them with precision. When he is alone with me, his words overlap. Now that Ben is part of our lives, well, a new tone has appeared, I added him to the list, and I hope to hear more in the future.
Bruno fascinates me.
“Well... I'm sure I'll be punished; Dad always takes the TV away from me when he gets angry.”
Ha!
“And why is he going to punish you? It's not your fault what happened to you”
“Mom told me to stay still, and when that man showed up, he drove me away.”
“Still not your fault, don't worry, I'll talk your parents out of it.”
Unbelievable.
“Would you do that for me?”
“Of course, we're friends, remember?”
“Yes! You’re “The Magician” without cape,” shouts Ben, excited.
Bruno laughs so hard that makes me smile.
Silence returns to the vehicle, I'm seriously considering letting go, but...
“That was my last attempt, I promise.” Murmurs Bruno.
“How did you know I was awake?” I open my eyes and stretch my numb muscles.
Bruno looks at me for a few seconds, his gaze piercing my eyes. “I always know.”
“And why didn't you say anything?”
“Because I enjoy seeing you relaxed, even if it's a lie.” He smiles.
“Well, I always thought I was tricking on you.” I cross my arms and legs.
