Page 108 of Tell Me What You Want, Or Leave Me

Ten minutes later, Frida and Andrés arrive with little Glen, who’s already running around and is a mess. The last to arrive is Eric who, seeing us all together, smiles and kisses me.

“Are you OK, sweetheart?”

“I’m somewhat congested. I think Flyn gave me his cold.”

After eyeing me with concern, he greets his friends and takes Glen in his arms to kiss his neck. The boy starts laughing, and I get itchy when my husband looks up meaningfully. I get the message; I get it.

Twenty minutes later, Flyn comes home from school. Seeing him, Björn hugs him tight, and, as with Glen, we all make him the focus of our attention for a while. The kid loves that.

When Simona brings us a pitcher of lemonade and beers, she insists on taking Glen and Flyn to give them a snack. She disappears with the two kids, and we all sit on the couch. Björn keeps getting text messages.

“Well, what is it that you have to tell us?” I ask.

Frida and Andrés look at each other and grin.

“Don’t tell me you’re expecting another baby,” I say.

“Congratulations!” says Eric. “We’re next!”

“Sure, Iceman,” I laugh, amused.

Frida and Andrés let out a laugh and shake their heads.

“We’re moving to Switzerland,” says Frida.

“What?”

Frida takes my hands. “It’s a good opportunity for Andrés,” she explains.

“Is that the offer you’ve been waiting for?” Eric asks.

Andrés nods.

“That’s fantastic,” says Björn. “Congratulations.”

While they congratulate him, Frida tells me she and Andrés are excited about this new challenge in their lives. I nod like a bobblehead, despite the sadness I feel.

“Thank you, my friends,” Andrés says with a laugh. “I’d forgotten about it, until a week ago, when they called and made the offer. After I discussed it with Frida, we decided to accept.”

Everyone is happy.

And, suddenly, my eyes fill with tears.

Frida is my great friend, and I don’t want them to leave.

“Are you all right?” she asks me.

I nod, but the tears keep falling. I can’t control them.

What’s wrong with me? Why am I crying like this?

Seeing me in such a state, Eric takes me in his arms.

“Sweetheart, what’s the matter?”

I don’t answer. I can’t do it. I’ll look like a chimpanzee and even more ridiculous. Touched by the hiccups that are now assaulting me, Björn gives me a squeeze.

“Incredible...You cry too.”

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