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The cracks are there.
Even in the way he holds Rose or takes her hand while she sleeps. His love for her warms my heart, yet something isn’t right, and it shows in his eyes. Beyond love is a flicker of uncertainty and fear. Here, he’s not the powerful man I knew in Ulara. Considering the trauma he has suffered, he needs to heal, and Rose and I may not be enough.
It’s whyI needto see his smile and hear his laughter. Even now, while lying on his side on the beige carpet of the living room helping Rose build a tower with her blocks, the joy on his face is comforting. After taking him on a winery tour and a weekend away to a secluded beach house, it turns out he’s happiest here, playing with Rose. By focusing on activities so he’d fall in love with my city as much as me, I didn’t consider the toll on Samuel’s body during those initial weeks at home. He’s still awfully thin, and given he has not consumed alcohol for years, the two glasses of wine made him sick and drunk.
It was my first fail.
The second was buying clothes too big. He told me not to take them back as he’d fit into a medium size soon.
Soon.
Time to Samuel differs to the rest of us.
For years, he lived by morning time, noon time, night time, and moon phases. Not by the clock or calendar days of the year.
For the past two weeks, he has managed small healthy meals mainly of fruits and raw vegetables with some fish for protein. If he overeats, he vomits.
He refuses medical help and says he’ll be fine in a matter of time.
It’s hard to argue with a doctor.
When he first arrived, exhausted and gaunt, I went through a checklist, including private health and insurance options. In the few weeks he stayed in Los Angeles, his parents arranged the initial medical assessments and then helped him set up a financial plan to come to us. Even though I have not met his father, I understand good deeds come at a price, and Samuel has promised him to do theright thing. Working and supporting us doesn’t sound like a bad deal, only I know it holds more than meets the eye.
Rose knocks the blocks, the castle tumbles, and the pieces scatter across the carpet. She bursts into laughter, and I can’t help but chuckle at the sound.
Samuel notices me. His eyes flick over my face and then travel down to where I’m wearing an olive-green jumpsuit. “You look lovely. Are you going somewhere?”
“Lunch, I hoped. It’s the last weekend of freedom,” I emphasize the last word as my holiday is over. “My friends are hanging out to see you again, and Faith is coming over tomorrow. So, I was thinking lunch today, just you and me.”
My phone buzzes, and seeing my sister’s name, I read the message.
Can we come over today and meet Samuel? We’re all out of quarantine, and I can’t wait another day.
“Faith wants to come over today.”
Samuel looks up from where he’s playing with Rose. “I’m looking forward to meeting her.” He smiles at me. “And since you’re dressed, I could take you out to dinner tonight?” He glances at Mum. “If you don’t mind watching Rose for us, Grace?”
“Of course, it’s fine. Knowing you two are moving out upsets me that I won’t see our angel all the time.”
“You can see her whenever you want, Mum.” I kneel beside Samuel. “Ready for the thousand and one questions?” His gaze meets mine. I sense his nervousness and pat his back. “I got you, and I’m only telling you this because I know Faith, and it’s her thing. She drags information out of you like a suction tube.”
His eyes round as though he’s pondering the situation. “Fine. I better shower and prepare myself for the onslaught.” His gaze meets mine in warning. “I’m not ready for hard questions, Eden. You know that. I’m happy to discuss minor things, especially about your aunt.” He then pushes up and heads to the bathroom.
I send a reply as I stride into the kitchen.
Samuel is looking forward to meeting you too!
“What do you want me to get for lunch?”
“All good, honey. I have a lasagna in the freezer.”
“How about salads? I can pop out and grab some fresh stuff?” Lasagna is Faith’s favorite meal. Samuel will struggle.
Mum gives me one of her trademark frowns. “I have it covered, Eden.”
“Thank you.” I don’t have the same confidence in my sister, so I send her another text.
Eden:Please go easy on Samuel today. He’s not ready to discuss his journey with anyone.
