Karan is about to take a bite, but stops short of the forkful of pancakes entering his mouth. “Boss wants me in early to fix a bug.”
My shoulders tense. “They keep making you stay late, and now they’re going to make you come in early, too? Seriously, where does this end?”
“You know what’ll make this better?” Océane chirps out with a big smile. “Orange juice!”
She pours a glass from the carafe of juice on the counter, then saunters over to Karan. It’s been such a long time since I’ve since her walk with such a pep in her step. Inviting her over was the best thing I’ve done since…
Océane’s face suddenly twists in pain, and she stumbles. I watch nearly in slow motion as the glass of orange juice slips from her fingers, falling onto Karan’s lap and soaking his suit. Océane catches herself before she falls to the ground, her face still twisted in pain. But her look of pain turns into horror when she notices the mess.
“Oh, no, no, no,” she whimpers. “I’m so sorry, Karan!”
Karan doesn’t say anything at first. He’s stuck in place, his face frozen in shock. Even the boys are quiet.
I’m the first to make a move.
“Let me find some towels.”
Then, I head towards the bathroom.
“It’s fine,” Karan calls out. “I’m going to need to change anyway.”
When I’m back, Océane is kneeling on the floor, her face still warped in pain.
“Boys, pancakes are canceled,” I say.
They start whining, but I interrupt.
“Grab yourselves cereal instead, then go get dressed. No whining.”
I place my hand on Océane’s shoulder as I lean down. “Let me.”
“No.” Tears glimmer in the corner of her eyes as she keeps wiping the floor with paper towels. “This is my fault.”
I kneel next to her and start mopping up the mess with the towel. “Océane, you’re in pain. Just… go rest.”
“I’m always in pain.” She stops wiping; a tear drops onto the floor below her. “I just wanted to help, for once.”
“Hey.” I let go of the towel and cradle both her shoulders. “I appreciate the effort. I really do. Thank you for what you tried to do, but you’re here so that I can take care of you. Not the other way around.”
Our bedroom door slams shut. Karan, now changed into fresh clothes, rushes past the kitchen towards the front door.
“I gotta go, see you guys tonight!” he calls out right before leaving.
Just like that.
I reign in all the thoughts I have about his stupid job and his stupid boss. Right now, I need to focus on Océane.
“He’s going to be pissed, isn’t he?” Océane asks as more tears fall.
“Karan? I don’t think so. Seriously, Océane, don’t worry about it.” I grab my towel again and finish wiping what’s left of the juice on the floor. “Don’t try to work through pain. Please.”
She blinks away her tears and sits up. “I don’t want to be a burden to you guys.”
“You’re not a burden. I promise.” I kiss the top of her forehead and hope with all of my heart that she believes me.
I’m in the middle of filling a prescription when Trey walks up to me, his eyes wide.
Oh, God, what is it now?
