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Now, Hudson’s been sitting across from me for god knows how long. His curiosity got the better of him and he’s started flipping through the only photo album I have of my parents. I lost everything else in the fire.
Each year, I pull it out and go through it. Some years have been better than others, but Grandma always said to remember the good times and that the good times are in these photos. So, each year I make sure I look at each one and remember what was happening in those photos, or at least what Grandma said was happening in those photos. Some of them, I was an infant or not even a sparkle in my parent’s eyes yet.
I’ve never shown these photos to anyone except Grace. Never wanted to because it always felt like it would be an invasion of privacy, but right now with Hudson looking at them, I feel okay about it. Why is that?
Ugh. I don’t have the mental capacity to decipher that all right now.
Hudson hasn’t said a word to me since he’s been here, and I cannot be more grateful for that. I just don’t feel like being social. It seems he gets that too. I appreciate him for it.
He looks up at me, but I don’t see pity in his face. I couldn’t handle that right now. He notices my glass of water is empty, takes it, and comes back with a full glass.
I give him a small smirk. It’s all I have in me to give right now. I’m feeling guilty about him spending his entire day off with a sobbing mess of a person. Last time I saw him, I was drunk and stupid; today I’m a crying mess.
“Hudson, today’s not a good day for socializing. I appreciate the thought, but you can leave.” My voice is hoarse from lack of talking today.
“I’m not here for socializing. I’m here because you shouldn’t be alone today.”
“I’ve been alone for years. I’m okay with it.”
“Not anymore.” His eyes are telling me something, but I’m in no condition to comprehend it. I just don’t have it in me to fight him on it, so if he wants to waste his day off with a depressed woman, who am I to tell him no.
We sit in silence for a few more hours; I think. I have no concept of time right now. I periodically cry and he just sits there and brings me water and more tissues. Doesn’t say a word and doesn’t ask a question. I’m glad because I don’t think I could handle another ‘I’m so sorry for your loss’ comment, or ‘How did it feel being in the closet with your house burning down around you’ question.
Yeah. Some people really have some nerve. How do you think it felt? I couldn’t fucking breathe; my parents were screaming when the fire started burning them alive and I could hear it all. I was so scared that I wet my pants. It was a fucking picnic.
But Hudson hasn’t asked. No platitudes from him. Thankfully.
CHAPTER 12
HUDSON
My gut is killing me. It’s telling me to just sit here quietly, but the longer I sit here, the more I want to hold her. I’m pretty sure she’d fight me right now on that. So, I keep listening to my gut and just sit here with her for hours.
The last time I got her more water, I texted my mom and asked her to bring Pepper and some groceries over here. She should be here soon. I’m pretty sure Kate hasn’t had a thing to eat today, and she needs food. Tacos seems simple enough, so I checked out what Kate had in her kitchen and sent a list of things to complete the meal to my mom.
Mom, being amazing, said no problem. I’m a very lucky guy to have such a great mom. Kate doesn’t have anyone but Grace and Wilbur.
And now me.
I feel my phone buzz in my pocket. It’s Mom and she’s in the driveway. Grabbing Kate’s glass, I head into the kitchen and out the front door. Pepper greets me and is very excited on this new adventure she’s on.
There’s a strange man driving my mother’s car. My hackles go up immediately.
“Hi Hudson. I’d like you to meet Max.” Mom gestures to the stranger as she hands me a bag of groceries through the passenger side window. “Max, this is my son, Hudson.”
“Nice to meet you, Hudson.” Max says to me, and my gut immediately tells me to back off.
‘Listen to your gut, son. It won’t ever steer you wrong.’ I hear my father’s words in my head.
“Nice to meet you, too.” I say to Max and silently curse my mother for doing this in a car, in Kate’s driveway. She did this on purpose and she knows I know she did. She’s just smirking at me. I’ll get her for this.
“Okay, well, that’s everything you asked for and Pepper’s dinner for the night. We need to go, or we’ll be late for the movies. Hope your friend feels better.”
“Have a good night.” Max calls out to me as they are backing out of the driveway.
I wave them off and lead Pepper into the tiny house.
“You need to behave.” I point to her, and she licks my finger. Shaking my head at her, I turn to put the groceries away and fill up Kate’s glass and find Kate standing in the hallway between her bedroom and the kitchen.
