Inspired by real events

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

“What? What do you mean the kitchen’s got a leak?”

Jim heard the exasperated sigh in his mother’s answer.

“Just what I said. One of the pipes behind the stove burst and it’s ruined everything in the kitchen.”

He took a big sip of his coffee and glanced around the shuttle he was riding from San Francisco to Riverside. Most looked curiously at him except for the two sitting directly next to him. One gave him a disgruntled side-eye and the other arched a brow.

“Can’t you fix it?”

His mom laughed. “Can you?”

“Well…no.”

“Anyway, it’s all ripped up.”

“What’s ripped up?”

“The kitchen, honey.”

“The whole thing?”

“Uh huh. No walls, no appliances. Nothing.”

“Not even the stove to roast the turkey?”

“James Tiberius, are you not understanding?”

“Mom, I’m coming for Thanksgiving and you’re saying we have no way to have it?”

“Not at the farmhouse, no. Fortunately, Ray has agreed to have us there.”

His stomach sinking, Jim stuttered out, “Who is Ray?”

“I told you I was seeing someone. He lives very close and invited us there. Including Spock and Leonard. It’ll be fine. See you soon.”

“Mom—”

“You might pick up some instant coffee on the way here.”

“What? No coffee?”

“No coffeemaker, Jim. I know, I know, it’s going to take a while to get used to this. Can’t wait to see you. And anyway isn’t that what holidays are all about?”

Jim sulked down into his chair.

“Problems?” Spock asked tonelessly.

“No kitchen. No Thanksgiving at Mom’s.”

Bones grumbled. “Should’ve gone to Georgia as I said.”

“You still can,” Jim snapped grumpily.

“Restaurant?” Spock asked, seemingly uncaring or unfazed by Jim’s distress.

“No. Ray’s.”

“Who the hell is Ray?” Bones demanded.

“Her boyfriend or something. He’s expecting us all over there.”

“What’s he going to cook?”

“How should I know?”

Spock reached over and took Jim’s hand, touching their palms and fingers together. Jim felt calmness flow through him.

“All will be well, T’hy’la. After all, aren’t we most thankful for each other?”

“I think I might throw up.”

Jim ignored him, leaned close to Spock, and kissed him.

“Yes, I am definitely thankful for you.”