Gifts From The Heart
by Teri

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      Vincent went over the items laid out on his bed one more time before he began to stow them away in his pack.  One extra pair of trousers, two thermal shirts, five pairs of socks (he'd learned as a young boy the invaluable nature of socks on trips to the lower levels, even short ones), his journal, two other slim volumes, candles and water-proof matches.  He would take a lantern along, of course, and William's dried food, which even now lay in a bag beside the bedroll and towel.
     "Vincent?"
      He turned at the sound of the familiar voice, and bent down on one knee so that they might talk eye to eye.
      "What is it, Samantha, is anything wrong?"
      "No..."  She drew the answer out and shifted from one foot to another, but added nothing else.
      "But?" he added, helping her along.
      "Couldn't I come with you, Vincent, please?  I've never been there, and you said that one day you'd show me."
      "One day I will, but not this time."
      "I won't be any trouble, I promise!"
       He reached out to rest a hand on her shoulder, cupping it comfortingly.
       "I know you wouldn't be any trouble, Samantha, but this is not the time.  What if we go next month, just you and I?"
       Her face lit up for a moment, then fell again, just as suddenly.  "That will be too late."
       "Too late for what?" he asked, intrigued by her stubborn look.
        She was silent, her frown deepening.
       "Please tell me, maybe I can be of help."
        She bit her lip, and then gave in.
        "I wanted to give Kipper a present, something special..."
        He was silent for a moment, considering this admission.  "You did?"
        She nodded.  "You said there are all sorts of neat stones down there, and  you know how he loves strange rocks.  I thought a piece of quartz would be nice."
       "The cavern is full of such stones.  I'll bring you one, the prettiest one I can find, I promise."
       "But will you be back in time?" she asked him, urgency in her voice.
       "Back in time?"
       "His birthday's on Sunday, the 14th.  William's going to make a cake and everything."
        Ah, William's birthday cakes.  Vincent knew them well.  "Don't worry, Samantha, I'll be back early the day after tomorrow, April 12th."
        Her smile appeared in an instant, but he didn't notice, his eyes gazing outward, somewhere far away.  Samantha recognized that look, and sighed.  She hoped that one day someone would love her the way Vincent loved Catherine.  She was only 10 herself, but she knew when to make a graceful exit, and she did so now, determined not to rouse him from the blissful reverie surrounding him.
        Ten minutes later, the pack in place, he left his chamber in search of two very special gifts.