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“I didn’t know we met on Saturdays too, if I’d known, I would’ve come down sooner.”
She turned and saw Rayen stroll into the office. “I just wanted to give you all the open house schedule since there are no other appointments for today.”
“Very good idea.” He came closer, his eyes looking slightly worried. He took the schedule out of Mr. Seavey’s hand and glanced at it.
“I’ll be here until two, if there is anything else you need.”
She turned to leave, but Rayen’s gentle and worried voice held her back. “We didn’t mean to upset you yesterday.”
She took a deep breath and turned around, giving him an apologetic smile. “I know. I was just a little overwhelmed. I didn’t expect it, that’s all.”
To her surprise Amon added, “We didn’t mean to overstep any boundaries.” His face was concerned yet still reserved.
“I know and understand. Please don’t think you did. I was just taken by surprise.”
She walked out and returned to her apartment. She stayed in her work clothes for the rest of the morning until she did one last check in with Mr. Seavey. He was sitting at his desk, drinking red wine and staring at the screen.
Rayen was standing behind him, also with a wine glass in his hands. He looked up and smiled. “We thought you would be gone by now.”
“I just wanted to make sure I didn’t forget anything, and these will need to be signed for Mr. Sanchez.”
“Perfect, leave them with us and we’ll give them back to you Monday.”
She laid the papers on the desk and turned to leave.
“Ms. Moore?”
“Yes,” she quickly said as she looked back at Mr. Seavey.
“No need to come see me tomorrow morning, but I expect all work to be caught up by Monday.”
“Of course.”
She quickly changed, grabbed her bag, and carried Evangeline’s present to the car. It was a gloomy day, with rain clouds covering the sky. Gwen made it right on time, and walked to the living room where Evangeline was already waiting, in her prettiest dress with a plastic crown in her hair. Stacy jumped up and pulled Gwen into a tight hug before adding a crown to her hair too.
“Come sit, everyone is eagerly waiting for us to cut the cake. I had to protect it with my life.”
It seemed as if all the residents and nurses of the care home were sitting around the whole room. Gwen sat next to Evangeline in a chair and giggled. “Well, we better get started then.”
Stacy and the other nurses had outdone themselves as usual. They all poured their heart and soul into their patients. Evangeline was the only one with her condition. All of the other residents had physical or mental disabilities, and the age ranged from eighteen years to close to sixty.
Gwen loved this place from the very first time she’d stepped into the building. Everyone was treated as an equal, and their strengths and abilities were put before their disabilities. No one was seen as a burden, but rather a blessing and wonder.
After the cake was eaten up, everyone started playing games or went out to do other things. Gwen waited till everyone was busy, and Evangeline and her were no longer the center of attention. She pulled out the little jewelry box that Rayen had given her and turned to her sister.
“My bosses gave me this for you and told me to wish you a happy birthday.”
Gwen carefully opened the box and gasped. It was a beautiful white pearl necklace, and earrings. Gwen’s hands started shaking as she looked down, tears forming in her eyes. She was grateful, but at the same time sad that Evangeline didn’t get to truly see her gift or appreciate it.
Gwen felt Stacy lean closer, gently laying her hand on her wrist, calming her. “They are beautiful.”
Having lost her words, Gwen could only nod.
“Would you like her to wear the necklace?”
Gwen nodded again.
Stacy carefully took the box, picked up the necklace, and placed it around Evangeline’s neck. With her dress, her hair nicely done, and the little crown, she looked like a princess. The tears started spilling, she just couldn’t stop them. Not wanting to cry in front of everyone, Gwen jumped up and rushed to Evangeline’s room.
