Winter jasmine greeted me against the blue sky, billowing with voluptuous clouds. The scent of almond blossoms filled the air. I lifted my face to the sun as I waited for Chelsea to come pick me up at the hospital.
When she pulled up, slumped in the front seat was Yann. I immediately leaned in and kissed his feverish cheek. He didn’t even open his eyes, only weakly muttering hello. I knew right away he had what I had understanding the path ahead.
Seconds later, he was being admitted into the emergency room. We were told to check back in two hours to see whether he would stay or be released.
Before heading home, we stopped at the caterer to buy some prepared meals—something I never do. But I knew going home to an empty fridge, unable to cook- not feeling well… We also picked up some sugar buns for the children, who would soon be getting out of school and would need a snack.
On the drive home, the clouds darkened and suddenly a wall of rain came down. Chelsea parked, then dashed out of the car with an umbrella overhead to pick up Olivia.
That little moonbeam—rosy cheeks, pink dress, rubber boots, and a wide white grin—instantly filled my heart with tenderness.
Chelsea carried my bags into the house while I waited in the car, feeling blessed by her love.
Olivia sat in the back seat sweetly eating her sugar bun. In the clear plastic bag I could see a bunch of sugar crumbs. I asked her if she wanted me to slide them into her mouth. She giggled and nodded a sugary “yes.” Sone of them made it into her mouth, though some sprinkled onto her clothes. We both found that funny.
When I got out of the car to go inside, I leaned down to kiss Olivia. She hugged me tightly and whispered, “Don’t go. Stay here.”
The homecoming was bittersweet.
Yann is in the hospital overnight, and tomorrow we will learn how long he needs to stay.
Photo of Yann is from last summer x
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