Time for a question

It is growing a bit louder outside.

The patios are full of revelers,

  and the costumes are interesting.

We ignore the occasional knock on the door.

 This room is in high demand on a night like this.

Phil sticks his head in,

 and he knew better than to knock.

"Everyone set?  It is starting to get crazy,

  but you remember how it gets?"

While trying to hide a smile,

 I notice he managed to sneak in a cart.

Manatua's face might as well be carved from ancient oak.

"Yes, my friend.  Everything is well.  

   Settle up before we leave."

Phil smiles.

  "Same old story."

As he closes the door,

 I look at the smiles on my companions' faces.

Even Eve joins in the laughter.

The mood is light,

 and some points should be addressed.

"Fesili.

  Do you understand why Manatua and I don't always get along?"

Have you ever seen a helpless bit of a child smile with the teeth of a shark?

 I may have out done myself.

Even Manatua grows still.

"It should be obvious,

 and I would be oblivious,

if I couldn't see the answer to the question.

Both of you are sides of the same coin,

 unable to escape the other.

Depending on the other,

 if only to carry each along.

A memory is a moment.

A story is telling the moment.

Stories change,

 and the memories change as well.

Depends how they are remembered.

The two of you are woven together,

 and each is trying to be the thread showing.

Neither of you can survive without the other.

Still,

 you can't help yourselves.

Then,

 you question why you do it?"

She has even learned to use a dramatic pause.

Manatua smiles,

 and I turn to the cart of secret treats.

Eve gives me a kiss on the cheek.

Opening the chafer,

 I have to laugh.

Inside out caramel apples.

 Vanilla Bean ice cream on ice.

Phil.

 You will never be forgotten,

   and your name will grow in stories.

Even now,

 some are questioning,

"Who is Phil?"