Retiring the Monocle

[Ebony]

Thanks. So everyone has been doing well? *She walks into the kitchen to get her some of the offered food.*

[AmbushCat]

Tired, mostly. Callista used to complain about her older siblings back home and how much more rambunctious and irritating they were as teenagers, and I think I'm beginning to understand how she felt.

Eebon: Maybe you just need a vacation, gaw? *picks up a card, then puts down a trio of fives* We noticed that you haven't been, um...

Ellen: ... ...Happy?

Eebon: *tail twitches* ...Well, yeah. It just feels like you've been under a lot of stress putting up with us, and... yeah.

*Ezekiel, who is currently in catgirl form and draped across the back of the couch, yawns and murmurs something in agreement.*

[Ebony]

*Returns with a plate containing some of the cakes.* Well if you need a vacation we could help you get away from it all. If you need I or the boss could look after the kids.

[AmbushCat]

*Amber starts to speak, but looks at her children first and silently implores them for their opinions.*

Ellen: ...Of course we'd miss you, Mom, but Dad's still around. It's not like we'd be parent-less during that time.

Eebon: We like you more when you're energetic and playful, not when you're an exhausted wreck. Take whatever time you need. Gaw.

Elk: *hums a few bars of the Go-Gos' "Vacation"*

Echo: *from on top of a kitty condo in the next room* Go on, rest, get better.

Ezekiel: *tiredly stretches out her arm from the couch and around Amber's neck* Hugs.

Heh... looks like my decision's made for me.

[Ebony]

From what I've seen of the boss and others I have the feeling kids can do that. You want any help arranging the trip or want to handle that yourself?

[AmbushCat]

Hmm... I should be able to handle that much myself. Appreciate the offer, though.

[Ebony]

Alright. So, think the port should be reopened first or the water park?

[AmbushCat]

Eebon and Echo: Port.

Amber, Ellen and Ezekiel: (...)Water park.

Elk: Five hundred! *slams his cards down*

Others: *double-take* Eh...?

Elk: *gestures to the cards he threw down* Count 'em, guys, count 'em. Brings me up to 500 points! *throws his arms into the air* The winner!

*double-checks the scores* Huh... well, guess he had to take one sooner or later.

[Ebony]

Heh. Alright, we'll see about getting stuff a rolling.