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My vision cleared and exposed the dining table that was a few feet away. Aeir’s presence still lingered, reminding me of the things I’d done…things we’d done. Her subtleness was still heavy on my mind, birthing a slight craving that I wanted to kick but couldn’t seem to.
Since she’d walked out of my door, I’d wanted more of her. It was the most rejuvenating, most convicting feeling in the world. Aeir’s body was the first I’d ever explored outside of Anna, to know that I’d enjoyed every second of my exploration left me ill.
The thought of our night left me wondering where she was, if she was well, and how she was navigating the new city. Worrying about her shouldn’t have been a burden I had to carry, but it snuck up on me. Berkeley wasn’t home for Aeir. It was an enormous city that easily swallowed you whole. I could only pray that she didn’t get sucked into the chaos.
My phone sounded in the silence. The thought of my grandfather calling a second time put me on high alert. Triggered, I made a dash for the counter where my phone sat. To my surprise, it wasn’t his name displayed on the screen. It was an iCloud email that was very familiar. I’d set it up and hadn’t forgotten it yet. A genuine smile tugged at my lips as I tapped the green button.
“Aussieeeee.”
“I miss you, Daddy.” Her little voice warmed me from head to toe.
“I miss you, too, baby.”
I did. The house was so quiet without her running around, bossing me around, and calling herself caring for me. I wasn’t sure who was the parent most days, me or Aussie. For a two-year-old, she was incredibly independent and such a fast learner. Anna’s plan to school her around this age was spot on because she was ready. If she put her little mind to it, Aussie would be reading, writing, spelling, and dividing in three months’ time.
“Así que ven a buscarme.”
“I’m not coming to get you, Aussie. Your grandparents would be sad to hear you say that.”
I lowered my body onto the rocking recliner to rest my bones. I’d been working my fingers to the bone the last two days to keep my mind and hand occupied so they wouldn’t end up in places they shouldn’t be.
“They don’t understand,” she whispered.
“Your grandmother does.”
“Aw, man.”
“Have you been speaking Spanish, hoping they don’t know what you’re saying?”
“A tiny,” she admitted.
“That’s not nice, Aussie,” I chuckled, “English only.”
“Okaaaay.”
“What are you doing, my love?”
“I miss my home.”
“I know, baby, but this is good for you. It might be a little difficult in the beginning, but it’ll get better. How are you being treated?”
Though I knew Aussie was just homesick, it was important to check in. Anna’s parents would never bring harm to her, but it didn’t hurt to ask. Certainty was the only way to rest my nerves.
“Good, Daddy. I just… I want to come home. I don’t want to leave you alone.”
“I’m not alone, baby,” I assured her, chastising myself immediately after.
“Mommy came?” she asked excitedly.
I could hear the glee return to her body through her elevated tone and the background fizzling. The hairs on my arm stood at attention as I remained quiet. Her question had set a few thoughts in motion and awakened a few big feelings I wanted to tuck away.
“Daddy. Did she?”
“Not yet, Aussie.”
“Awwww. But, she said she’d come.”
“Listen, my love, Daddy has to get busy, okay?”
