“So why are you telling us all of this now?” I asked.
“Because, Winter, I need you to understand that just because you were the catalyst that made me get you girls out of the commune, it wasn’t your responsibility.”
“I always felt like it was my fault, making you leave the place you loved.”
“I loved what that commune was, before. What we escaped? That was not my commune. That place was gone, like dust in the wind.”
“Eww, Mom. Don’t use music metaphors,” Autumn said.
“What I’m getting at, Winter, please don’t have to hold yourself responsible for me. It wasn’t your fault.”
I rubbed my temples, a tear escaping the corner of my eye.
Mom came over and sat next to me on the couch. “I worry about you, and I’m concerned about your mental health. You carry too much on your shoulders. You can only take so much, Winter.”
A few tears leaked out. “I’m okay.”
“No, my darling, strong daughter. You’re not okay.” She put her arm around me. “And that’s okay. It’s okay to not be okay.”
“Someone has to take care of you,” I said as a few tears fell.
“Um, hello,” Summer said.
“Yo, over here,” Autumn said.
“You’re not in this alone,” Summer said. “We’re all here.”
Summer took my hand.
And so did Autumn.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be old and feeble soon enough,” Mom said as she added her hand to the family fist. “You can take care of me then. I’m sure I’ll need my diaper changed.”
I leaned into my mom. “Don’t tease me, Mom. I’m picking your nursing home.”
We all started to giggle.
19
Tuesday
Shaun wasn’t sure why he was doing this, other than he thought he should.
He walked up the sidewalk to the salon and glanced at the concrete. The girls had sprayed it with gray paint to cover up the stains and the words they couldn’t get out.
Shaun decided he was going to have the sidewalk refinished anyway after they figured out who did this. Maybe have someone come to do that concrete treatment to it or something.
For now, though it was okay.
He went into the salon door; it was almost five. The salon was wrapping up for the day, and he didn’t see any clients anywhere.
“I’m sorry, we’re,” Autumn said, and then she glanced at him. “Oh, hi Shaun. Sorry, didn’t realize it was you.”
“It’s fine. Is Winter here?”
“Sure. Come on, I’ll take you to her office.”
He followed Autumn back to Winter’s office, just around the corner from the break room he’d pulled the critter out not that long ago.
