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“Kapeá Tapire would have been relieved,” I whisper.
His eyes open. “It wasn’t that simple. The log was unstable, and it took some time for one of them to cross. It was slippery, and they crossed on their hands and knees. Wayara went first to assess the log. When it came to Mari' Iwoi’s turn, he slipped and went upside down, clinging onto the log, but his fingers were losing their grip. Thankfully, the men found a vine and secured it to a tree. Wayara tied it around his waist and ran and jumped, grabbing hold of Mari' Iwoi, and they both slammed into the mud slope. The men then pulled them to safety.”
“How scary. What were you doing?” My choice of words insinuated he watched and did nothing which wasn’t my intention.
“I carried the chief’s wife on my back.”
“Oh, Samuel.” I stroked his head again. “How long did you carry her?”
“Until she died.”
We remain silent for a few long seconds.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
“Sore Dad-da,” Rose says and points to the cut above her eye.
Samuel stands and scoops her up into his arms. “I’ll get her some pain relief and check her pupils again.”
Samuel had already told me she didn’t have a concussion, although lately, he’s second-guessing everything. It all adds to his stress, his choices, and not coping with his grief.
I keep asking myself what else I can do to help?
* * *
This week I spent with Mum and Faith, either shopping for new items and furniture for our house or with our children building sandcastles on the beach. Every day is a cloudless sky, and the warm temperature indicates summer is almost here. It’s a step closer to Christmas, and Samuel’s family coming to stay. Last night, we chatted briefly about what tourist places we’ll visit. Samuel hinted most responsibility will fall on me with his work commitments.
The conversation didn’t please me, and it ended with him suggesting I use the days to better acquaint myself with his parents and allow them time to get to know their granddaughter. I’m not sure if he’s avoiding them or proving to his father by working long hours, he is living up to his father’s expectations and Samuel’s part of the deal. He said his hours had increased at the hospital due to staff shortages on leave, so he couldn’t possibly take leave.
He's always trying to prove his worth.
At least it’s Friday afternoon, and he’ll be mine for the weekend after barely seeing him all week.
It’s the same thing every night.
After twelve-hour days, he eats dinner and heads to bed.
Rose has missed him and keeps asking forDad-da.
Tonight is a date of sorts. Not the two of us. We’re attending the Building Awards, and our builder invited Dad, Ethan, and me to attend the formal function. Dad couldn’t attend as he’s in Sydney on business until tomorrow. Dana is busy packing up her house so Dad suggested I take Samuel.
Mum arrives around three to pick up Rose.
“Thank you for looking after her tonight,” I say while packing her pajamas into the bag.
“It’s fine, love. Do you have her stroller?”
“It’s in the garage. I’ll grab it for you on your way out.”
“I’ll head home and wait for Faith and the boys to come for dinner.” She says it as though it’s the highlight of her week, having her three grandchildren together.
“Rose will enjoy that.”
“It’s easier if she sleeps at ours, and I’ll bring her back in the morning.” She glances at the lilac dress I borrowed from Faith hanging on the door. “What time will Samuel finish work?”
I shrug. “Hopefully, with enough time to catch a cab to the Convention Center, I’m going to take my time getting ready.”
My phone beeps with a message from Samuel. “He must have heard us.” I laugh.
