Page 32 of The Problem with Falling
I used to be strong.
Now, I was pissed off.
I was angry.
I was sad.
Theo and Molly both stared at me with so much care and love in their eyes, but all I saw was pity. The last thing I ever wanted was for someone to pity me even though I didn’t feel well. I was tired. I ached. Everything hurt—my body, my mind, my heart. Everything was so painfully exhausting.
“S-sorry, PaPa,” Theo said, his voice stuttering slightly. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I was just concerned.”
I nodded once. “I get it. I’m fine, though.” But I wasn’t. I hadn’t been fine in a long time. Some days, I couldn’t even look at my Molly because it felt as if each passing second was the last remaining moment I’d have to look her way. And that thought shattered every piece of me. I still stood by what I said to her sixty years ago on our wedding day. I wanted forever with Molly Ruth Langford. Even that didn’t feel long enough.
My eyes found Molly’s, and an instant calmness filled me. I didn’t know a woman’s eyes could bring so much peace until I looked into hers.
I wasn’t as pissed off.
I wasn’t as angry.
I was still sad but loved.
That made it easier.
She moved over to me and took my hand in hers. Her touches. Molly and her touches.
“I think when people love each other so much, it’s normal to worry. But if it were serious, we would’ve reached out, Theo. I promise,” Molly said. Her voice was always so gentle and caring. Though, even if I wasn’t okay, I wouldn’t want to reach out. I didn’t want to worry people. Molly was the opposite. She wanted everyone to be in the loop of things going on.
“Where did you run into Stacy and Ralph?” Molly asked our grandson.
“They stopped by my place for Willow,” Theo said.
Both Molly’s and my eyes widened.
“What happened? Is she all right?” I questioned, alert. “Why didn’t you lead with that?”
Theo smirked and shrugged. “I must take after my grandfather, and I didn’t want to worry people.”
“Touché, you little shit,” I replied.
“Is Willow all right?” Molly questioned.
“She’s fine. She had an accidental crossing with Matt Turner and his baked goods.”
“Ohh. She got too high.” Molly nodded, knowing Matt’s baked goods very well herself. We grew up with Matt’s grandfather, Frank. Those brownies must’ve been a family recipe because when we were young, we used to be high as kites in the middle of the woods, dancing under the moon near some dirt roads.
“Speaking of… I should get back to check on her. I just needed to make sure you were okay, PaPa. Now I have to go check on that grown adult who’s really an annoying child that needs to be looked after,” Theo said, grimacing.
Well, I’ll be.
He liked her.
He didn’t say the words. He actually said the exact opposite of the words, but I saw it in his eyes. He was worried about her.
Theodore was tough on the outside—a defense mechanism. But beneath the surface? He was a gentle giant who cared more than he’d ever reveal. He was a little too much like me, that was clear.
“Tell her we said hi,” Molly said, moving over to kiss Theo’s cheek. “And take her some sweets from my cabinet to help her sober up.”
“She’s fine. I already gave her all the cookies you gave me,” Theo stated with the deepest look of annoyance before he turned to walk away. “Good night, you two. See you tomorrow. Call me if an ambulance stops by,” he remarked sarcastically before going through the front door and shutting it behind him.
