a passion

"Could you just do it? This once?" Eric cornered Olivia about the writer's group at the home where Steve lived. "Its not like I'm asking you to let him move in here."

"I should hope not." Olivia gave Eric the last brownie. They sat down to tea. "He was kind of creepy the last time I saw him."

"When was that?"

"A year ago. Maybe." Olivia winced as she sat there with Eric in the kitchen. "Look, I want to help him. I do. Its just, he might take it entirely different. Somehow."

"I don't think so. This writer's group has brought out so much in him. You see, most there have never written, much of anything. Most aren't really readers and now they want to help each other. So much potential, you know." Eric shrugged. "Its just I feel I'm spread so thin, as it is. Classes and work. The kids. When will I ever get a degree?" He sighed. "I really think this helps me as a teacher, you know. Its fun to see someone excited about writing and reading, even. But, if you could just come for inspiration."

"Inspiration?" She chuckled.

"Oh, bring that story we used to write on. You know, the one with the dragon." He grinned then. "Maybe they'll think about how they can do writing projects, together."

"I dunno. Its so silly now." It brought back a smile to her face. She thought of Eric and how much she enjoyed writing with him. They'd even brainstormed in chat-rooms.

"Come on, you know, you want to." Eric gave her a nudge.