“She’s stable right now. And made it comfortable. They have to run more tests, and figure out a plan. But right now, the doctors want her to stay comfortable. That’s all they can do while they wait for blood tests and all that.”
“And Jasper?” I glanced towards the house once more.
“Is tired, scared and feeling everything one would go through when a loved one has a stroke or any other health scare. He’ll be okay after some good sleep. I think his parents willbe by later after they stop by to see Mrs. Lee. Until then, I promised him some soup later after we all get some sleep.”
“That includes you, Koda. Get some sleep.”
I nodded, knowing she was right.
“In a couple of hours, we can make some soup for Jasper, and whoever else happens to be at the house. And hopefully he’ll have an update and good news by then.”
***
Later that afternoon, I stood beside Dawn as she knocked on Jasper’s door. The air had a bite to it, even though the sun was shining too brightly in the sky. Spring was trying to appear, but the cold wasn’t letting up.
I had changed out of Jasper’s sweater and took a shower before heading over here with Dawn. Although I wasn’t sure if I should be standing here on this porch. I’d much rather stay home, watching behind glass and being invisible.
Jasper pulled the door open moments later, and I wasn’t sure what to do with my hands so they got stuffed into the pocket of my oversized sweater. The hood was up, hoping it’d save my hair from freezing too badly.
“Brought you some soup. Koda helped make it.”
“Thanks. Come on in.” He stepped aside, allowing us in.
As I passed him, a waft of soap and just him hit me, causing me to stumble over air. I righted myself before anyone hopefully noticed.
“Have you eaten yet?” Dawn asked, heading straight for the kitchen.
I trailed after her, keeping my clenched hands firmly in my pocket.
I didn’t feel welcome here anymore.
“No. I just woke up not long ago when my parents called. Test results aren’t good.”
“Oh, honey. I’m sorry.”
Jasper shrugged as he stepped around me and leaned against the counter. His tattooed arms were on full display. Both arms were covered in ink, a mix of things I couldn’t make out.
“It’s expected. Tough, but expected.”
“If you need anything, let me know.”
“I will, thanks. I…when it's time. There won’t be a funeral. Gram’s one wish was to not make a big deal of it. If no one wanted to make a big deal of her being alive, then why do so in death.”
“A wise woman.” A pause, and I stood there awkwardly, unsure on what to do. “She could hang on for weeks still.”
“Knowing her, yes. Just to spite my parents,” Jasper ran a hand through his hair. His eyes didn’t travel to me once, making me feel smaller and smaller by the second. “Or she could go within minutes. Who knows, but we’ll be prepared for whatever comes. I’ll be heading in to see her in a bit.”
“Do you need me to drive you?”
“Nah. I’m fine to drive now. Thanks again for that, by the way.”
“Of course. Let me know when there’s an opening for me to stop by.”
“Sure.”
Finally, Jasper’s gaze went to me, although it was for only a single moment. In that one look, I felt and saw everything he was feeling.
Pain, heartache, loss, hope, and defeat all rolled in one. His gaze was dark and tortured.
