Otherworldly Goods — Page 20
Meet Tara!
I am an only child, so my experiences of sibling rivalry come secondhand through friends and eventually raising two kids of my own. Functional or dysfunctional, siblings have always impressed me with their vacillations between sniping and supporting one another.
Also say hello to Tara’s car. I think it’s a Yaris. Not every faerie of the Otherworld drives a sensible economy vehicle, but fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness are big issues over there like they are here. She’s doing her bit.
↓ Transcript
PANEL 1
TARA stands at the top of the panel on a weathered stone step. Fetch, back to the reader, looks up at her while reaching for a suitcase and holding a duffel bag.
TARA: Hurry up! I’m parked at the top of the stairs and my car is running.
FETCH: Can you take a bag, please?
PANEL 2
Tara carries a small suitcase while Fetch carries three as they ascend the stone stairs.
TARA: I can’t believe you made me come all the way here to pick you up.
After you have been gone for ten years without a word!
Not a call, not a letter, not an email — nothing!
It’s like you completely disappeared!
PANEL 3
They reach Tara’s running car. Tara sorts her keys to find the right one. Fetch sets down the luggage with a long exhalation. Behind them is the car and the forest.
TARA: Mom has been worried sick about you. And it’s not like she’s ever been in great health, but now she’s really sick. And who is left to take care of her? You? No! You pull a disappearing act, leaving all the hard work to me!
PANEL 4
Fetch and Tara stand at the car.
FETCH: Nice to see you, too, sis.
PANEL 5
Tara hugs Fetch, who looks shocked.
TARA: Oh, Fetch!
TARA stands at the top of the panel on a weathered stone step. Fetch, back to the reader, looks up at her while reaching for a suitcase and holding a duffel bag.
TARA: Hurry up! I’m parked at the top of the stairs and my car is running.
FETCH: Can you take a bag, please?
PANEL 2
Tara carries a small suitcase while Fetch carries three as they ascend the stone stairs.
TARA: I can’t believe you made me come all the way here to pick you up.
After you have been gone for ten years without a word!
Not a call, not a letter, not an email — nothing!
It’s like you completely disappeared!
PANEL 3
They reach Tara’s running car. Tara sorts her keys to find the right one. Fetch sets down the luggage with a long exhalation. Behind them is the car and the forest.
TARA: Mom has been worried sick about you. And it’s not like she’s ever been in great health, but now she’s really sick. And who is left to take care of her? You? No! You pull a disappearing act, leaving all the hard work to me!
PANEL 4
Fetch and Tara stand at the car.
FETCH: Nice to see you, too, sis.
PANEL 5
Tara hugs Fetch, who looks shocked.
TARA: Oh, Fetch!
Spread the joy:
Re Final panel: Awwww.
Re Yaris: Had one, once, as a rental and liked it.