I look over my shoulder and find the lovely family gone. I must have embarrassed Mom so much that she moved them inside.Good.
“Trinity, you’re not in the right state of mind to drive,” Amelia presses and sends a gaze at her brother.
They share a worried glance with each other.
“Where’s Leonidas?” I ask.
“He’s busy, doing some work for my parents,” Elijah stutters and fidgets with his fingers. “Where are you going?”
The only person who I know will calm the panic that consumes my entire body isn’t available.
I breathe out, “I’m going to the cemetery.”
They both nod.
“We can take you,” Amelia pipes in. “We won’t get out of the car. We’ll just wait for you.”
I know these two won’t give me a break until they know I’m safe. No matter how hurt I feel right now, they warm my heart. Knowing how much they deeply care for me is comforting. Even though we aren’t related by blood, these two feel like family.
I once heard the saying,Blood doesn’t define family. At this moment, I couldn’t relate more to it. The people I share blood with don’t do half of what they do for me.
I nod and see relief fill their brown orbs. Elijah grips the driver’s door. Opening it, he gestures for Amelia to hop in the back. I pick up my pup from the ground and jog to the other side. Pulling the door open, I place Simba in my lap.
* * *
I didn’t spend as much time as I would have liked with Dad. Knowing Elijah and Amelia were waiting for me made me antsy. I introduced Simba to him and placed the flowers I’d bought for him on our way to the cemetery on the ground in front of his stone.
I prayed that he would help build our family up again and that the hurt I felt within me would dim.
Amelia and Elijah both look at me with pity as I enter the car. When I slam the door a bit too hard, they wince.
“Sorry,” I mutter, and they nod.
Simba lays his head on my lap.
Looking down at his restful body, I break the silence I know they’ve created for me. “You guys must think I’m a baby.”
Leaning forward, Amelia frowns. “Why would that even cross your mind?”
“Because I just had a mental breakdown about a swing.” I laugh at myself. I sound so stupid.
“That’s not just any swing, Trinity,” Elijah butts in. “You’ve told us what that swing reminds you of. There’s nothing to be ashamed of when you grieve. You’re allowed to hurt, Trinity. Memories hurt the most. They’re constant reminders. You. Are. Strong,” he says, gripping one of my hands in his.
“And your mom was wrong. She should have been more sensitive,” Amelia grumbles, and Elijah slaps her. She slaps him back, and they scoff at each other.
I love these two.
“You know,” I say as my fingers wind through Simba’s soft fur, and the two look at me with curiosity, “I never asked if you guys were okay with me and Leonidas dating.”
“Why would that be a problem for us? I haven’t seen my brother this happy in a while,” Amelia says. “You know I call you guys endgame.”
“Plus, I want you as my sister-in-law. Think of how much trouble we’ll get into,” Elijah says proudly. A shit-eating grin brightens his face.
I laugh and raise my eyebrows up and down.
The three of us lift our fists in the air, and they connect.
Watch out, world. We’re coming for you.
