This is a lovely interlude full of life moments observed pitch-perfect and beautifully described.
The Them have grown up into distinct individuals but I like that there remains at least among some of them a bit of that group identity, that need for reassurance only each other could give; the bond has expanded to give room to fly but remains a deep friendship.
That kind of bonding is present in different guises all through this short but tender piece; Pepper and her Marianne, Pepper and Cleo, Pepper and the absent Adam, and the reference to Crowley, perhaps asleep in the angel's bed on Christmas Eve while Aziraphale does an angel's duties across the world.
I like the casual way Az is just THERE speaking and adjusting the ornament as if he'd always been there and Pepper's lack of surprise at his appearance, the two of them conversing as if they'd been in the middle for some time before.
I like the strangeness of being not only in a home not your own for an important family holiday, but in a country with very different holiday customs and setting, the homesickness held at bay by the pleasure of being with someone so important.
I like the kind of keenly noted details that give both visual interest and a psychological resonance like:
>Her eyes lingered over the crystal beadwork angel that topped off the tree. Its head met the ceiling at an awkward angle, neck bent, giving the whole set-up a graceless, uncertain look.<
That's just plain lovely and sharply clear writing!
It's magical in its mood and introspection, just as Christmas Eve should be.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2010-01-22 08:07 am (UTC)The Them have grown up into distinct individuals but I like that there remains at least among some of them a bit of that group identity, that need for reassurance only each other could give; the bond has expanded to give room to fly but remains a deep friendship.
That kind of bonding is present in different guises all through this short but tender piece; Pepper and her Marianne, Pepper and Cleo, Pepper and the absent Adam, and the reference to Crowley, perhaps asleep in the angel's bed on Christmas Eve while Aziraphale does an angel's duties across the world.
I like the casual way Az is just THERE speaking and adjusting the ornament as if he'd always been there and Pepper's lack of surprise at his appearance, the two of them conversing as if they'd been in the middle for some time before.
I like the strangeness of being not only in a home not your own for an important family holiday, but in a country with very different holiday customs and setting, the homesickness held at bay by the pleasure of being with someone so important.
I like the kind of keenly noted details that give both visual interest and a psychological resonance like:
>Her eyes lingered over the crystal beadwork angel that topped off the tree. Its head met the ceiling at an awkward angle, neck bent, giving the whole set-up a graceless, uncertain look.<
That's just plain lovely and sharply clear writing!
It's magical in its mood and introspection, just as Christmas Eve should be.