Keith had twenty-five years of a good, solid marriage.He knows what he’s talking about.And if he’s giving me advice, maybe I should be listening.
“Once my practice is finished,” he says, “you won’t be in that hospital much longer.So try to enjoy it while you can.Ignore the noise, take in the experience, and when it’s time, you’ll leave it behind.This town will love you, just wait.”
I shake my head and get up to refill my drink.“I don’t know what’s in your drink tonight, but maybe you need something stronger.”
“I’m just glad you’re here.It’s been nice not being in this space alone with my thoughts.Sometimes they’re hard to sit with.Grief is a strange thing; it makes you want to hold on and let go at the same time.But having someone around, someone to cook with, talk to…it makes it easier.And I’ll always appreciate that.When you do move out, I’ll miss the company, but I’ll be okay.Sage taught me that much.”
I push past the tightness in my throat.“I was lonely too, before coming here.After losing my dad.Before realizing I had only a handful of real friends.You know, the doctor friends I thought I had?Only one checks in.The rest?Not even a text.”
“It’s different here.And you’re not alone.”
I nod.Maybe I really do have a place here.Maybe, I finally belong.
Chapter 29
Amelia
Itucktheedgesof Mom’s blanket neatly around her legs before carefully placing the tray across her lap.The scent of warm soup and buttered bread fills the small hospital room, hiding the antiseptic smell in the air.The bright lights above feel cold, but she looks better today… more color in her cheeks.She’s still weak, but at least she doesn’t seem exhausted by just existing.
She adjusts her pillows with a small sigh, her movements slow.“So,” she starts.“I saw the article about you and Adrian.”
I freeze, fingers still resting on the edge of the tray.The words settle into my chest like stone.It’s been a few weeks since the news about me and Adrian came out.I didn’t want to bother her with it.I want her to focus on her recovery.
Slowly, I lift my gaze to hers.“How?”I pull my hands back, settling onto the chair beside her.
“One of the nurses brought me the paper to point you out.”She continues, watching me carefully, “I’ve been waiting for you to talk to me about it.You used to talk to me about everything.I know me being in the hospital again is a lot to take on.”She grabs my hand.“But I’m still here for you.I can still listen, even if I am still healing.”
My stomach drops.
“So?”she presses, turning her head slightly, waiting for me to talk.
I swallow, suddenly hyper-aware of the quiet beeping from the machines monitoring her.“I don’t know what we’re doing, Mom.”The words sound wrong, like I’m trying to convince myself, so it won’t hurt when he decides to walk away.
Mom leans back into her pillows, her food untouched.
“Mom, eat,” I urge, nudging the tray closer.“We can talk and eat.”
She hums but doesn’t make a move to pick up her spoon.“Alright, but have you talked to him about what’s going on?”
I blink.“What?”
“Have you called?”she asks, arching an eyebrow.
I shake my head.“We’ve texted.”
“Why not call him and ask to see him?”
“Because I haven’t had time.”
She shakes her head.“That’s an excuse, Amelia.Come on.Even your brothers and sisters come up with better ones.”
I huff out a laugh despite myself.All this time I’ve kept myself busy, focusing on Mom, my siblings, work, and looking for new jobs to protect myself, when really… “I guess I’ve been scared, if I’m honest.What if he really has pulled away?”
Mom just watches me.“Do you like him?”
“Yeah,” I breathe.“I do.He’s different… more caring.The way he was with you, with the family.”
She smiles.“He’s been good to our family.”
