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Every day is unchanging.
He wakes early and is out the door before his family rises. He returns after they have eaten dinner. His father chats to him briefly, asking about his day—standard conversation. Yesterday, his father’s demeanor had changed. His eyes flicked with concern before he smoothed his expression to a trained poker face—a skill of their profession.
Samuel feels bad leaving Eden to entertain his parents without him. She told him not to worry as they are spending time with their granddaughter, and she’s showing them all the sights. His heart warms, knowing she’s trying. Eden is an amazing woman, and it’s why he is here because he knows he can’t lose her again.
He unlocks the door, relieved it’s Friday night and walks the stairs to the living room and hears the low hum of conversation.
“We enjoyed Victor Harbor and considered staying a week,” his mother says to Eden.
Interesting.
It’s a small coastal town south of Adelaide, and he assumed it wouldn’t appeal to his parents when they’re used to the bustle of Los Angeles.
“Evening,” he says as he enters the room.
Eden is the first to hug him, and it’s tighter than usual.
“Are you okay?” he whispers.
She nods quickly. “I’ve missed you.”
If something upset her, he trusts she’ll tell him later when they’re alone.
His mother also hugs him.
His dad comes in for a handshake. “How was your day, son?”
It’s the same conversation as every night.
Tonight, he won’t be in bed early.
* * *
After Samuel has eaten dinner and they have discussed their plans for the weekend, Eden heads to bed, leaving Samuel to have time with his parents. Alone.
After hearing about his parents’ adventures over the past few days, his mother kisses his cheek and takes the stairs to the bedroom.
“Rose is exhausting her.” His father’s lips curl, hinting at a smile. “And she loves every minute.” Christopher looks at the dark ocean as if he’s enjoying a memory.
“Rose has that effect on you,” Samuel replies. He lifts his feet onto the balcony’s railing and leans back in his chair, crossing his fingers and placing them behind his head. Elbows wide, he relaxes into the deck chair and stares at the stars in the night sky. “By now, I assume you’ve grasped why I rushed to get here. I couldn’t let another minute pass without seeing my two girls.”
“Yes, it’s clear you love your family, and they love you. Only I wished you remained in LA to have a few more tests, son. Eden would have waited. You might have found more answers.” He stalls. “Am I correct in observing you have lost more weight?”
Samuel closes his eyes and opens them to focus on the moonlight dancing over the ocean. “I have it under control.”
“You’re pushing yourself too hard. I, for one, understand a sign of burnout.”
Samuel looks at his father. His eyes hold an understanding he’s never witnessed before. “I’ve only just started working, and it’s not burnout,” he replies, in case he’s testing his commitment.
His father nods slowly. “Please keep me up to date with your treatment. I want to be here for you.” Lines in his forehead deepen with a frown. “I mean it. We have all made mistakes in the past. You have a bright future with a beautiful family, and I don’t want you taking the same path as me.”
Whoa.Samuel sits in silence, taking in his father’s words. During his brief trip back to LA, he witnessed a change in his father, yet he was firm in making Samuel promise to uphold his responsibility.
What has given him a change of heart?
* * *
Samuel heads to bed and slips under the covers, careful not to wake Eden. He tosses and turns, unable to sleep even though he’s exhausted. He closes his eyes and visualizes the future, seeing himself as a happy, healthier man with enough energy to keep up with his daughter. Picturing his family together relaxes his mind into sleep until images of his other family creep into his thoughts and his dreams.
