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“Eden.” Samuel places a hand on my shoulder. “I’ll get her.”
“Bring her back to bed while I’ll shower,” I tell him because I want to prepare him a nutritious shake. Something easy to digest. I’m committed to helping my man get well.
By mid-morning, I’ve finished my chores. Samuel and Rose are playing quietly on the floor with blocks.
My phone dings with a message and my heart does a little dance seeing Yasmine’s name.
Can we FaceTime?
I find my iPad then press the video button rather than wait. “Yasmine wants to FaceTime,” I call out to Samuel.
Her face comes into view with a broad smile. Her black curls are tangled and unkept, yet she looks the happiest I’ve seen her in months.
“Honey, is everything okay?” Her smile falls away.
I nod quickly. “I miss you.” I cough to clear my throat as emotion boils up inside me. I wish she was here so I could chat with her.
“I miss you too. We’re flying out in a couple of days and home in time for Christmas.” I laugh and sob together because I can’t wait to see her.
“How is your trip? Is everything okay?” I know it is by the joy on her face, but knowing she intended to try ayahuasca, I needed to check on her.
“Oh, it was a fabulous experience and everything I hoped for. It opened my mind, and I now know how I want to live my life.”
“Oh.” I cough. “That’s great. I’m truly happy for you. And there were no complications?”
“We did everything Samuel suggested and drank lots of bottled water after we came to. And tell him we took our trash out of the jungle with us.”
I smile at her still doing good deeds. “Is Deanne still with you?”
“Yes, we met up with her last night, and she’ll be back with our pizza soon. It feels like forever since I’ve eaten anything other than fresh fruit and nuts.”
Samuel comes to sit next to me and positions Rose on his lap. “Look, it’s Aunty Yasmine,” he says. He smiles at her. “Hello, Yas.”
“Hi, Samuel.” She waves enthusiastically at him and then blows a kiss to Rose. “And you have grown, princess.”
Rose stares at the screen. “As,” she says and points.
“Yes, it’s Yas,” I say, understanding her.
“I’m glad you had an enjoyable experience,” Samuel says, sounding interested. “Who was your shaman?”
“Santino. Michael said you’d remember his brother, Juan.”
Samuel smiles at Yasmine. Then Michael comes to sit next to her. “Hey, hey,” Michael says. “How are the Aussies?”
Samuel grins at Michael. “Really?” He shakes his head, amused. “How’s Iquitos?”
“Like old times.” Michael gives Samuel an understanding look as though they both share a memory. I’m watching Samuel’s expression on the screen, our faces minimized compared to Michael and Yasmine’s, yet I don’t miss how his smile fades and his brow pulls together. It’s slight, still I see it. It’s like he’s hit with a sense of missing out as he’s reminded of a happy memory.
“I’m looking forward to hearing all about it,” he says genuinely.
She turns and plants a kiss on Michael’s cheek.
Michael drops an arm around her shoulder. “Thought you could use a friend Down Under,” he says to Samuel and grins.
“Is that right?” Samuel remarks. He’s smiling, and despite our history, I know Michael used to be a good friend to him.
“I think it’s wonderful.”
