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“I’m not sure,” he mutters and wipes his mouth.
“Is it stress? Because you don’t need to continue along this path?”
He leans over the toilet and bows his head. “It’s not stress. I’m enjoying the work.”
I shake my head. “Then you need to get checked.”
He pukes again. “Go back to bed, Eden. I’ll be fine.”
“You’re not fine. This isn’t normal.”
He closes his eyes and hunches his shoulders. “It’s the next stage of grief. I’ll be fine. It’s simply a bodily response.”
Grief?
What have I made him do?
* * *
The following day I can’t stop thinking about Samuel, so I call Yasmine for a chat. “Can grief cause disease? Because Samuel is vomiting, and it’s the first symptom to come to the surface besides his nightmares. I’m wondering what else he’s not telling me.”
“He asked for time, right?”
“Yes.”
“He knows he should talk about it, only I’m not sure his mind or body is ready. He’s with you, and he’s loved. Show him he’s in a safe place,” she says in a gentle tone.
“All he wants to do is give Rose and me financial security. New cars. A new house. He’s talking about enrolling her in the best private school. This isn’t him. It’s not us. I’m not sure why he’s doing it.” I close my eyes and imagine the worst as if he is setting us up for when he’s no longer around.
“He’s lost. He’s acting like he did back in LA. You need to put your foot down and stop him from spiraling downward. Tell him you don’t need material things and find a balance between city life and his life in the rainforest.”
“You’re right.” I pause for a moment. “I need a plan. Can you meet us this weekend?’
* * *
On Saturday night, Samuel and I park in front of Yasmine’s.
“I’m not staying.” He kills the engine. “I need sleep, but you should stay and hang out with your friends.”
I pat his leg. “It’s a quick visit.” My intention is for him to talk, have some fun, and maybe reminisce about Ulara with Yasmine for positive reasons.
“Deanne and Amy are on the front balcony,” she says after letting us inside. “Do you mind if I steal Samuel for a moment?”
“Sure.” I release his hand so he can follow Yasmine.”
“Bubbles is in the fridge door,” she shoots over her shoulder.
As I fill a crystal glass with sparkling wine, I overhear Yasmine from the bedroom.
“Lie on the yoga blocks for a few minutes. It will open your heart space.”
“And why do I need to do this?” he asks. I imagine him with his arms crossed over his chest and a defiant expression.
“We’ve all had a broken heart, Samuel. This exercise will help.”
I choke on the first mouthful.God, I love my friend. She knew how to help him without my asking.Trusting my man in her care, I head out to the balcony.
“Eden.” Amy jumps up and gives a tight hug. “I’ve missed you.”
