“I don’t want to burden you with my issues. I know how hard this time of year and the event must be for you. This was Jim’s baby, after all.”
“True.” Darby nodded. “I’ve also found that holding space for someone else can be cathartic.”
Hilary squinted. Her bottom lip quivered. “It’s been a lot. It’s been a transition year. My twins left for college this fall, and I don’t know why, but it’s been brutal. Like gut-wrenchingly brutal.”
“College is such a bittersweet time for parents,” Darby said sincerely. She and Jim had never had children of their own, but every year in June, when she watched a new batch of seniors soft launch into the world, she felt the same sense of eagerness and sadness. “And you’re absolutely right that it’s a transition. You’ve likely defined yourself as a mother and spent a lot of time being needed. That shift is a big adjustment. It doesn’t mean that your kids aren’t going to continue to need you; they’re just going to need you in new and different ways. But what you’re experiencing is real grief and loss. It’s very normal.”
Hilary nodded. “Did you go through this with your kids?”
“Jim and I never had kids,” Darby replied with a touch of wistfulness. “I will say, though, as a high school English teacher, that I have felt the sting of loss when my favorite students with whom I had a strong bond graduated. It’s not the same as what you’re feeling, but the crux of attachment is that if we do our job right as parents and educators, we give them a foundation and send them on their way. Our children don’t belong to us. They pass through us.”
“Oh, that’s beautiful and so true.” Hilary fanned her face, trying to brush away her tears. “Are you sure you teach English? You don’t moonlight as a counselor?”
Darby shook her head, feeling equally pleased to offer Hilary some comfort and like a fraud. She could dole out advice but was completely thrown by Samesh’s declaration last night.
“I’ve been stuck on the twins belonging to me. My husband has been doing a better job of embracing the idea that they pass through us, but now I think I’ve ruined that relationship, too.”
“How so?” Darby scooted her chair closer. She could tell that Hilary needed a listening ear.
“I’ve been pushing him away. I’ve been taking out my sadness on him. I’ve ignored him. I’ve been mean to him for no apparent reason.”
Darby tilted her head to one side. “I don’t know about that. The reason is fairly apparent, isn’t it?” She kept her tone soft and even, void of judgment.
Hilary exhaled and hung her head. “He left me last night.”
“I’m so sorry.” Darby reached her hand out in a show of comfort.
“It’s my fault. I’ve been consumed with work and too self-absorbed to stuff my sadness inside. It hasn’t worked, and now I’ve ruined everything.”
“I doubt that.” Darby patted Hilary’s arm. “Every marriage, every partnership goes through challenges. In my marriage, I learned that communication is the key—being vulnerable. Really opening up. It sounds like you’ve got a solid relationship.”
Hilary frowned. “Why?”
“Because you felt safe enough to be your worst around your husband.”
Hilary sniffled. “But how do I become my best with him?”
“I can’t answer that for you.” Darby gave her a small smile. “I suggest having a conversation, and sharing what you’ve shared with me is a good starting point.”
Hilary waved her hands in front of her face again, blinking back tears. “Thank you, that’s helpful. It feels like a relief to admit how terrible I’ve been out loud.”
“Anytime. I’m here if you ever need someone to listen.”
“I appreciate it.” Hilary blinked hard and composed herself, by rolling back her shoulders and exhaling slowly. “What about you? I can’t believe how romantic Samesh’s story is. I’m sure it must be weird, but it’s also one of the sweetest things I’ve ever heard in my entire life. Our whole staff is rooting for you two.”
Darby frowned. “What story?”
“The story of you guys.” Hilary gave her an odd look. “Samesh told me all about it shortly after he was hired. To be kept apart by his parents when you were young. It’s like something out ofRomeo and Juliet.”
“Hetoldyou about that?” Darby was confused. Why would Samesh have told Hilary and other staff members at the Chamber of Commerce about their past?
“When Samesh contacted the mayor about relocating here, that was part of his pitch. Everyone was in tears reading his cover letter. It talked about how he had kept tabs on you from a distance and wanted to give you time after Jim died.” Hilary formed a heart with her fingers. “It’s straight from the pages of a romance novel. I mean I guess it fits, since you’re an English teacher. He gives up a high-ranking position and his career and moves over a thousand miles to be with the one who got away. I wouldn’t be surprised if they made a movie of your love story.”
Darby’s entire body flooded with heat. Sweat trickled down her neck.
What?
He’d kept tabs on her?
