“Love you, too, sweetheart… to the moon and back.” She grabs my cheek and squeezes, then she lets me go, and I move over to Kiera, who’s finally released Effa.
Effa moves past me toward Gran as I step up to Kiera and take a deep breath. Saying goodbye to my sister is always the hardest. I’m never sure what might happen to her while I’m gone, which makes this the most difficult part.
Kiera reaches up, wrapping her arms around my neck, and pulls me in tight. She doesn’t have much strength, but it’s enough for me to feel the undeniable love and warmth emanating from her. “I love you so much, big brother. Make sure you get back here soon. I want to see you before Christmas. Okay?”
“The tour ends in two months, so I’ll be home in November. I’ll definitely be here for Christmas. I promise.”
“I l-love you, Kades.” Her voice cracks slightly through her tears, and it makes my throat close up.
“I love you, too, so much. You keep going strong, you hear me?”
She giggles, pulling back and looking into my eyes. “Only for you.”
I press my lips to her forehead just below her beanie as I try to keep myself together. Effa’s hand slowly finds its way to my back and makes small circles. Funny enough, it does make me feel calmer.
She has hands of the gods,I swear.
An unmistakable crunch of rubber moving over pebbles approaches, as the thrum of an engine pulls in behind us. The tour car has pulled up, ready to take us back to Pittsburgh.
Sighing, I lean in, kissing Kiera’s forehead once more.
Leaving her is so hard.
I don’t want to think the worst.
She’s doing well.
Well enough, considering.
But there’s always that risk that a small bug could knock her about, and I might not get here in time. A shudder runs down my spine, and I clench my eyes shut at the unthinkable thought running through my mind right now.
This could be the last time I see her.
My breath catches, and even Effa’s soothing circles aren’t working right now.
“Kaden, stop it,” Kiera demands in a whisper. She grabs my biceps, and my eyes snap open at her harsh tone. “Stop that right now. I know where your mind has gone, and I’m fine. I’m not going anywhere. Iwillbe here when you get back for Christmas, I promise.”
The driver steps out to place our bags in the trunk. “See you in November then, booger-butt.”
“I’ll be here waiting,” she replies and lets me go.
Effa laces her hand in mine, giving me the support I need to leave, as I back away from Kiera toward the car.
“Love you, guys.”
“We know, now go. Call us tonight if you miss us that much,” Gran instructs.
“Okay.” I pivot with Effa and walk toward the car.
“Talk soon, thanks for everything,” Effa calls out.
Gran and Kiera wave as we step up to the car, and the driver opens the door for Effa. She slides in, and I look back at Gran and Kiera one last time before I wave with a heavy heart, then move in next to Effa before the driver shuts the door behind me.
Slumping into the seat, I let out a long puff of air, then I glance out the window.
Effa squeezes my knee and slides into my side. “You’re incredible with them,” she murmurs.
I shift to face her. “They mean everything to me. I hate leaving them, but I want to be with you too. It’s watching them fade into the distance that’s hard.”
