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“I’m so sorry,” I whimpered at the exhausted sight of them, tears welling in my eyes.
My mom jumped up and rushed over to embrace me. “No, don’t apologize. You did nothing wrong, sweetheart.”
“I don’t know what to say,” I said, trying to find the words to tell them I had to leave.
She guided me over to the table, where Kat handed me a warm teacup, steam rising from the tea. “I made it how you like.”
“Thank you, Kat,” I said, taking the cup. I inhaled deeply, my hands quivering. “I can’t stay here… not after everything.”
My mom eased into the seat next to me, exchanging a look with Kat. While at first, she appeared hesitant at my statement, her eyes softened, warm and full of love.
“You can move back in with us,” she offered, and I knew she knew where this conversation was headed.
“I’m sorry mom, I just… it’s too close, I can’t even handle being here right now.”
She sighed. “You’re an adult, Cas. I can’t tell you what to do. I just want you to be safe and happy.”
“Where are you gonna live?” Kat asked, concern painting her face.
“Damien offered me a room.”
My mom smiled softly, but she couldn’t hide that motherly look in her hazel eyes. I braced myself for her to try to talk me out of it. “That’s very kind of him, but… are you sure?”
I nodded, praying she would let me make this decision, that she wouldn’t fight me on it. We sat silent for a moment, and I sipped the tea, shoulders sagging at how good it tasted. I knew I’d likely get resistance from my mom, but I’d made my mind up.
Kat stood, and I knew it was likely the awkward air that was pushing her to leave. “Um, it’s getting late, I’m gonna head home. I just wanted to see you, to know you’re safe.”
“Thank you, Kat.”
“I’m so glad you’re safe, Cas...” She wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly. “I love you so much. Text me tomorrow? Let me know if I can do anything to help you move.”
“I will. Love you too, Kat. Thank you for being here for my mom.”
She smiled, shrugging her shoulders. “Goodnight, Mrs. Hites. Let me know if there’s anything I can do. I’ll come by after work to help you with the clean—” She stopped herself, and I smiled at the attempt to not dredge up the thought of my apartment.
“Thank you, Kat. Goodnight. Have a safe drive home,” my mom said with warm smile. She looked to me after Kat disappeared into the hallway. “I’m happy you have Damien.”
I smiled. “Me too… he’s been wonderful to me.”
She inhaled deeply, and I cringed at what I knew she would follow with. “I wish you would take it slower, but I can’t stop you. If this is your decision, I will be here for you. Just… please be careful, please. You can always move back in with us; we can help you get an apartment elsewhere—”
“I can’t… you guys have already spent so much on me… I’ll be careful, mom. I promise.”
Her shoulders sagged, and I prayed she’d given into my decision and wouldn’t try to persuade me further, not tonight. “I’m sure your exhausted, but I have some things I’d like you to take. Some extra medicine as well. Were you able to find any of your medicine in your apartment?"
I nodded. “Yeah, I found my spare bottle.”
"I’ll reach out to the Doctor tomorrow to get you more, so don’t worry about that. Come on, I’ve got a box upstairs for you." She took my hand and led me down the hall.
“Damien, can you join us? I have a box for Cas to take with her, I could use some muscle,” she asked as we passed Damien and my dad.
“Of course, Mrs. Hites,” Damien responded, pushing himself up from the couch.
My dad frowned in confusion, but my mom shook her head, and I couldn’t have felt more thankful for her intervention. I didn’t want to argue with my parents tonight, didn’t have the energy.
We climbed the stairs and came to a stop when we reached the spare room upstairs. My childhood room. It hadn’t changed much, the walls a shabby shade of faded blue. My twin bed stood in the corner still covered in my favorite sheets, and some of the wall decor still hung on display, showing off drawings I’d done when I was younger.
My mom crouched at my bedside and pulled a cardboard box from beneath it before setting it on the mattress. Damien and I approached her and when she sat down on the bed, I joined her. Inside the box was a mess of drawings and paintings I hadn’t seen in ages, some so old I didn’t even remember them.
