Thursday, November 24, 2022

One hour earlier

Scrubbing viciously at the frying pan, Honey let sudsy water splash across the counter. Sleeves soaked, she went in search of a towel.

Renald came in as she hunted, and she spun on him, towel raised like a weapon.

“Have you heard?” She swatted her damp hands dry with the towel.

“Loxley called.” He sighed.

“Why didn’t you stand up for me the other night?” Honey tossed the towel on the ground. “Are you even on my side?”

“I wasn’t involved in your fight with Brynn. Loxley needs to hear the truth and hear it from you. You should tell her what really happened.”

Honey’s tense expression faded into one of despair. “But what if she leaves, too?”

“Brynn may have left, but she forgave us. Why else do you think we were chosen to raise Loxley? If Loxley wants to leave, we’ll let her. But we will call her, every day, if we have to.”

“I’m so afraid, Ren. So afraid.” Honey whispered, her breath coming in gasps.

An hour later, Renald called for an ambulance.

***

Loxley crept into the hospital room. She had apologized to Ivy and jumped into her car immediately after hanging up with Gramps. The two hour drive back had taken both years and mere seconds—every moment Loxley worried her Nina wouldn’t make it. No amount of time would have ever been enough to prepare her for the scene waiting at the hospital.

Honey still had the same deep smile, the same freckles across her nose, the same round face. But her eyes were bloodshot, her skin suddenly heavy, and her body moved in slow motion.

“Hey,” Loxley whispered, going to sit in the chair by the bed. Gramps had hugged her out in the hall, and she summoned all the strength she had received from their embrace.

“Loxley.” Honey smiled bigger, cautiously reaching out a hand.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’ve been better.” Honey’s cheeks dimpled, looking like canyons in her suddenly fragile face. “How was your meeting with Ivy?”

Loxley looked guiltily at her lap. “I had to cut it short. I wanted to come see you.”

“Did you find out about Brynn?”

“No. But it doesn’t matter. I’m staying here with you.” Loxley gingerly squeezed Nina’s hand.

“I am going to tell you, then.”

“No, listen, I don’t need to know. Really. I’m okay.”

“No, you listen. I have to tell you the truth. Once I can go home, I will tell you all of it. I promise. I have been holding on for too long.”

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the conclusion of Returning.