Page 108 of To Ashes and Dust
“Oh, it, um... it went good, actually. Dr. Robertson said there’s very little new scar tissue.”
She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes lighting up as she opened the cabinet and pulled a kettle out. “Really?”
I nodded, admiring the hazel eyes she’d given me—the only feature I’d received from her. Would the sight of those hazel eyes in the mirror haunt me for the rest of my life? Or would they be a tender reminder of her, that she’d always be with me? “He said my blood pressure’s the best it’s been in a long time. Even said my weight is where they want it.”
She filled the kettle with water before moving it to the stove as she turned the knob. The fire came to life after a few clicks of the starter. “You look really good. Did he say anything more? Are they changing your medications? Did he mention any new treatment options? I should’ve gone with you.”
“It’s ok, Mom. You were held up this morning. I’m good with doing this on my own.” I reached into the cabinet to fetch the hot cocoa mix for her, right where it had always been. “He’s keeping me on the same regimen. No point in changing things if they seem to be working.”
She nodded. “How’s Damien? Are you guys doing well?” She glanced back with a knowing smile.
My heart skipped, and a warm smile curved my lips. “He’s great. We’re doing really well.”
“What does he do for a living again? I can’t remember if you told me.” She pulled two mugs out of the cupboard.
I pressed my lips into a thin line, trying to think of what I would tell her. “He’s um... runs a company in another city.”
Her brows rose. “He’s so young.”
I tried not to laugh at the statement. If only she knew he was nearly a thousand years old. “Family business.”
“Ah,” she said, as if that suddenly made more sense.
I cleared my throat. “Did they rent out the apartment next door again?”
She shook her head. “No, they’ve been talking about remodeling after the damages. They got most of it cleaned up, but there’s going to be quite a bit of repair work needed.”
I didn’t say anything. I hadn’t set foot in that apartment since I’d left, and I never would.
She poured the hot cocoa mix and a few scoops of mini marshmallows into the mugs as I settled into a chair at the small, round table.
She glanced back at me. “How’ve your classes been? Settling into the new semester?”
Guilt crept in, and I forced a smile. “They’re going well. Boring as usual.”
There was no point in stressing them out about me stopping. It had been a difficult enough transition with me moving out. So I’d lied, kept up the façade that I’d continued attending classes. It wasn’t like they went to campus or received emails; that was something I’d always managed.
“That’s good.” She turned to rest against the counter while she waited for the water to boil. “How’s Kat been? Still dating that boy?”
I loved her questions, loved hearing her talk. It wouldn’t matter in the end if I gave her answers or not, but I would answer them all the same, anything she wanted to know. I didn’t care if it made my job more difficult. I’d cherish what little time we had left...
So, I answered.
The afternoon sun warmed my skin as we sat on Devil’s Rock. The wide expanse of the Johnstown stretched out below us in a web of buildings and streets converging in the valley, the Conemaugh River winding through the center. The last hour had been spent reminiscing on fond memories and funny times we’d shared. It had been the most wonderful afternoon, more than I could’ve hoped for.
The sight of the sinking sun, though, twisted something in my chest. I turned my eyes to my mom and dad, who sat together on the quilt, heads leaned against one another as they watched the horizon. They loved each other so much, and the sight of them together warmed my heart.
“I’m glad we came here,” I breathed, wrapping my arms around myself, the cold winter breeze snaking through my hair.
“It’s been a long time since we came here last. I think you were…” Dad paused, glancing at Mom. “She would have been what? Twelve? Thirteen?”
“I think so,” Mom sighed. “We should do this more often. I’ve missed you around the house.”
My smile became painful. I shifted, scooting closer until I was between them. Their eyes followed me as I kneeled between their legs and wrapped my arms around their necks, pulling them into a tight hug. “I love you guys so much.”
They hesitated, their confusion seeping into my skin in tingling waves, but their arms came around me. I bit back the urge to cry, fought the tears that threatened to well in my eyes.
“We love you too, Cas,” Dad said warily. “Everything okay?”
