Page 18 of Keep This Promise
“I’m sorry it’s not bigger or ready, but I didn’t anticipate company.”
“It’s fine. Truly. I just appreciate you letting us stay here.”
“Of course I want you both here. What can I get you?” he asks.
“A week’s worth of sleep.”
I wish I were joking.
“I could get you medication if you need help sleeping.”
I shake my head. “It’s quite all right. It’s more that I’ve not had much sleep than my being unable to do so.”
He nods slowly before saying, “The bathroom is through that door there.” He points to the one on the far left. “The one beside it is a closet, and there should be towels in there. I honestly don’t come into this room much, but when I moved in, Brielle and Mama James set it up.”
“Mama James?”
His smile is affectionate. “My aunt. She’s more of a mother to me than my own is. She takes in all things broken and lost before fixing them up and letting them go.”
“Well, it seems she has her work cut out with me then,” I say, trying to sound light and funny, but I can hear the pain in my voice. “Not even she will be able to repair what’s wrong with me.”
“I don’t believe any person is broken beyond repair, Sophie. We may be a little worse for wear, but all we need is a little time, and we heal. I’ve seen people come back from unspeakable pain stronger than they ever could have imagined.”
Maybe in a medical sense he has, but how could someone possibly survive losing almost everything essential to who they are?
“And what if the broken parts can’t be seen?”
“I don’t think we have to see it to heal it.”
“I hope you’re right, Holden.”
“I do, too, because while you may feel broken or lost, I see a strong woman who is neither of those. You crossed the ocean alone with a child, not knowing where you were going and having just lost the man you love. I see a woman who fought when so many may have given in. Don’t forget that.” Holden’s words seep into my soul, and I cling to them.
I nod once. “I will do my best to remember.”
“Good. I’m right down the hall if you need anything. I have a lot of patient notes to catch up on, so I’ll be awake for a while . . .”
“Okay.”
Then he leaves, closing the door behind him, and I let my eyes drift to where Eden sleeps, tucked tightly into the blankets. My need for things to be in order rises, but I don’t have the wherewithal to do anything. I can’t even be bothered to write in my diary. I’m not quite sure I want to remember what I am feeling right now, anyway. So, I climb into the bed, wrap my arms around my daughter, and cry myself to sleep.
* * *
The smell of bacon fills my nose as my eyes flutter open. I blink, unsure of where I am. My hand moves over the cool sheets, finding them cool and vacant. Where is Eden? I sit up, looking around, and then I’m on my feet, throwing my cardigan around my shoulders and rushing out the door.
As soon as I turn the corner into the eat-in area, I breathe for the first time.
She’s safe.
She’s sitting at the table with Holden, a plate of eggs and bacon in front of her. Her brown eyes are staring up at him with her warm smile.
I must exhale loudly because both of them turn to me.
“Mummy!” Eden exclaims as she climbs down off the chair and runs to me.
Holden also stands. “I thought you might want the sleep, so I made Eden breakfast. Would you like some?”
“That would be lovely, thank you.”
