Dr. Wakefield kept us in Pittsburgh longer than planned. He wanted Effa close by while she adjusted to the hormone therapy, and he wanted to make sure I was okay the first time I injected her.
The first one was rough, more for Effa than me, but once the nurse walked me through it step by step, something shifted. It stopped feeling clinical and started feeling protective.
I get to be part of this.
Part of her healing.
Part of her staying strong.
And I’m not going anywhere.
Being away from Kiera was harder than I let on. But Gran had her covered, and Tank was in and out of the house every day. I kept getting updates.
Chemo’s kicking her ass, but she’s still standing—pale, exhausted—but standing.
She’s fighting.
And right now, Effa and I are getting ready for brunch with Donny and Lettie. Lettie chose Kammie’s, and neither of us had the heart to veto it, even though it’s their last day here.
Maybe Lilah won’t be working.
Fingers crossed.
“Ready to go?” I call out, shrugging into my leather jacket.
Effa rounds the corner, and for a second the world… stops.
Boho pants, oversized sweater, and a scarf wrapped loosely around her neck. Even bundled up for October, she looks like she belongs in a sunbeam somewhere.
I smile before I can stop myself.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asks.
“Like what?”
“Like you’re plotting something.”
I laugh and pull her into me before she can dodge. She squeals as I wrap my arms around her waist.
“Just thinking I’m a fucking lucky bastard.”
She rolls her eyes. “You’re getting soft.”
“Shut up.”
She slips from my grip and heads toward the stairs, and yeah, I watch her walk away. I’m not dead.
Downstairs, Kiera’s perched at the breakfast bar in pajamas and a beanie, skin pale but smiling. Gran’s already in a Christmas apron, oven open, gingerbread scent filling the kitchen.
“That smells unreal,” Effa says.
Gran beams. “’Tis the season, sweetheart.”
“It’s October,” I remind her.
Both Gran and Kiera scoff in unison.
“Never too early,” Gran declares. “Besides, we wanted you two to have some in case you can’t make it home for Christmas.”
