Page 20 of Absolution

"I'm like a duck outta water, nothing makes sense." As amazing as the place appears to be, something is off--my guts twists with anxiety. I spin around, searching the rest of the room. A tightness in my chest builds, and I struggle to slow my breathing.

"Wow, what is going on with me?" I'm overcome with sadness as I walk with her around the house and into the family room. A chill races through me, making the hairs on my body prickle.

"What am I missing?" I roll my shoulders, easing the tension building in my body. We're taught early on to read the room, one of the easiest ways to stay alive. Trusting your gut and being able to place what's amiss.

A sound behind me draws my attention. Kathryn stands in the opening between the rooms. She wets her lips, as though she's gauging her words before uttering them.

"Drew suggested we remove old photos, and other things so your visit wouldn't be uncomfortable or cause you harm." She averts her eyes on the last few words, I can understand why.

I hold my hand up, hoping to save her further explanation. "I... I appreciate it, but I hate you had to go to the trouble."

"No trouble at all, Creed." Her eyes tell me more than her forced smile does. "Such a small price, considering the one you've paid."

"Were there a lot... of us as a family?" I have no idea why I'm asking. I feel like I'm responsible for all of her pain, the way her life has changed since that day, and for losing her son.

She crosses her arms when she begins to tremble, I guess she's hoping I won't notice. "You could say that, but I enjoy photography, so it wasn't unusual. We're not trying to be weird, just doting."

"No, of course not. Nothing crazy at all about me standing here talking to my mother like she's a stranger." I chuckle, hoping she'll join me.

"Oh, I'm sorry. The doc told us it was a brain injury, we assumed amnesia, not insanity." She winks and turns to the kitchen.

"So, you got jokes!"

She opens the refrigerator and sets out some juice. "Glasses are in the cabinet to the left by the sink."

"Thank you, but I think we're gonna go for a run before we eat. If that's okay with you?" I wring my hands and shake out the nerves.

"You don't have to ask if you can come and go here, Creed. I only hope you'll let us know when you leave." She lays her arm across her stomach like she's holding herself together.

I nod with my words. "I can promise you I will always let you know before I leave."

"Thank you." The lines in her forehead smooth, and again I realize I have her eyes.

"How far is Boone from here?"

She raises her brow. "I'm sure you could run it, but Doc would probably prefer if you drove there. He's on the other side of town now."

"Yeah, I'll wait until y'all can go with me. Maybe show me around town." That might actually be the best idea I've had in a long time. It would get us out of here, and I'd be able to speak with my cousin.

She smiles, and this time, it reaches her eyes. "I'll let Craw know when he comes down."

"Sounds like a plan!" I tap the counter with my knuckles. "We're off. Don't want the sand to get too hot for her."

"We'll be here." She waves as I back toward the door to make my exit.

As soon as my hand hits the handle, I'm sprinting. I mean, my parents have both been great so far. Not pushy or overzealous, and I appreciate it, but it's still weird. My biggest fear is it always will be.

"How far we goin' girl?" Doc loves every minute of this; she's running like a pup down the shoreline. We're cruising along, without a care in the world until she darts toward the surf. "Not in the water, Doc!"

Doc is chest deep, splashing, and having the best time. It takes me begging her to come out before she finally makes her way over to me. "C'mon, baby! Doc come here baby. C'mon girl!"

Once her sight is set on me, she takes off full-tilt toward me. I won't lie, I thought about running from her, she's soaked, and I'm about to be next. Sure enough, she tackles me to the ground.

"Dude! So not cool!" We wrestle around for a few minutes, taking time to enjoy our day. Doc came along at the perfect time for me, she made me get up and fight as I was falling into a deep depression. She fought for me, and I'll never forget it.

After a few minutes, we catch our breaths and start to run again. The beach here is gorgeous, but the heat comes on fast. I check my phone and realize we need to be going back.

"Hey, Doc. Let's head back." I come to a stop, calling her back to me, and I'm immediately aware something is off with her. I kneel down, dropping my phone in my pocket, so I can check her out. "You okay? Damn! You've cut your foot."