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“Good, thanks.”
“Has Yasmine told you tomorrow is the day?” He smiles at Yasmine, and the connection between them is obvious.
She drops her arm over his shoulder and pulls him closer. “We’re doing Ayahuasca together.” She kisses his cheek. “We’ve been on a strict diet and no alcohol, and we’re prepared this time.”
“I hope it’s everything you’re searching for,” I tell her. “And I’ll pass on to Samuel you have stuck to his diet.”
She shoulder-bumps Michael as though coaxing him on.
“In a few days, we’ll meet up with Deanne and… I’m coming to Australia with the girls.”
Yasmine stares at us with a goofy expression.
“I’m so happy for you,” I say louder than necessary, knowing this is what Yasmine wants.
“Is Samuel around?” Michael asks, leaning closer to the screen.
“He’s asleep,” I emphasize the disappointment. “He’ll be excited to know you’ll be here soon.
“We better go as we’re catching the boat to the village where the shaman is located in about an hour.” She smiles again, then she stares at Michael. “And you still haven’t packed your case.”
“It was great chatting with you,” I say quickly.
“Talk in a couple of days, okay,” Amy says more as a directive, still wary from the last time.
We end the call, stare at each other, and sigh.
“So. Michael is coming to Adelaide.”
“Yeah. Not to change the subject… do you know Ethan has been messaging me every second day?”
I didn’t, and I can’t help the surprise creeping up my neck.
“And did you know he placed a certain ring on my finger?”
I place a hand on her shoulder. “I did. He emphasized it’s about friendship.”
“Hmm,” she says and scowls at me. “Are you setting me up with him?”
I cough. “God, no. I wanted for peace and us all to be friends.”
“Funny, it’s what he said, except all this attention is weird.”
I take a sip of water and consider my answer, “Don’t think too much into it. And I’m glad he’s trying.”
Jumbled words and shouting come from the bedroom.
Then silence.
Amy stares at me wide-eyed before we both spring off the lounge and dash toward the room. The bedside lamp is on. Samuel is upright in the bed with his eyes closed. His fists swing at something, and then he falls back onto the pillow, mumbling and grunting. He flips from one side to the other.
Amy grabs hold of my forearm. A vicelike grip from concern. “What’s happening?”
“Nightmares. They started a few weeks after he arrived. The first time scared the crap out of me. Now I simply wait them out. I observe and make sure he’s safe. I used to hug him and tell him he’s okay and he’s with me. It didn’t help.”
She releases my arm and wraps her arms around her stomach. “He looks in pain and afraid.”
“He’s not the only one.”
