Page 96 of Where We Fall

“How’re you handling it?”

Another wave of tears threatens to come. I blink rapidly to try and keep them away. “It’s…hard.”

“If you ever need to talk about it, I’m here for you. I didn’t exactly have an easy upbringing or many people here for me when I was new to the city. I know Marcus is a good guy, but sometimes you just need another woman to confide in.”

She’s right. The benefits you get from the comfort of your significant other are not the same ones you get from a girlfriend. Unfortunately, the thing weighing heaviest on me right now is something that I can’t confide in with her.

She would probably feel obligated to her brother-in-law to tell him what’s coming, and I want to be the one to have the conversation with him.

“That’s so sweet of you. I’ll tell you what…” I lift the coffee, “Pumpkin anything is its own kind of therapy.”

She smiles. “I knew I liked you.”

We share a laugh and talk about lighter topics for a couple of minutes. She's easy to talk to, and it does momentarily take my mind off of my problems.

“Anyway, I don’t want to bother you. I’m sure you have a lot to catch up on. Remember what I said: I’m here if you need me.”

“Thanks, Alexis.”

Hours later, I somehow managed to get through the day without breaking down. Marcus stopped in once, but we’re both trying to play catch up, so he only stayed for a minute.

On my way out, I popped into his office to say bye, agreeing to go to his place for dinner tonight.

Now, here I am, sitting in my car, trying to get the courage to go inside. Once I do, I know what needs to be done.

Just get out of the car and get it over with, Lexi.

When I get to his front door, I let myself in. It’s something I’ve grown accustomed to doing lately.

I call his name, but there's no response. I can’t find him anywhere until I come across him in the library, sitting in his chair.

He looks so peaceful.

When he looks over and sees me, he smiles.

“Hey, beautiful.”

I walk in and sit on the armrest of his chair.

“What’re you reading?” I ask.

He closes the book, and I see the cover.‘Everything You Need to Know About Dementia.’

My heart nearly bursts out of my chest.

He looks slightly shy, getting caught reading the book. “I just don’t know much about the disease. I wanted to understand it more, you know, so I could maybe be of more help.”

Tears are already running down my face. Until the day I die, nothing anyone will do or say will be this sweet and thoughtful.

“I’m moving back to Chicago,” I blurt out as the tears fall faster.

It feels like the world stops turning as I sit here waiting for him to respond. When he finally looks up at me, I see the sadness in his eyes.

“I understand.”

“You do?” I ask.

“Of course. You need to be there for your mom like she’s been there for you all of your life. I know there are things she’s said, and advice she has given that may not be accurate or even appropriate, but she’s loved you no matter what. You need to be there for her.”

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