Page 107 of To Ashes and Dust
“Thank you, Dr. Robertson.”
He smiled, and it was as if that same weight I’d felt slip from my shoulders, seemed to have lifted for him as well. “I’m just happy to be able to give you some good news for once.”
38
CASSIE
Afew cars passed as I walked along the sidewalk. The bus stop wasn’t a terrible distance from my parents’ house, and I needed some time to build up my courage for what I was to face in a few hours. I tucked my hands into my coat pockets, the winter breeze whipping my curls around my face.
My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I pulled it free to see a text from Kat. I tried not to linger on what I’d learned the day before, how Damien had been watching her, invading her privacy under the suspicion she might be a darkling.
‘How’d the doctor’s visit go? Are you out yet?’
I typed my response, my heart racing out of habit. It was still a lot to adjust to, to know she knew everything.
‘I’m out. It went better than expected. I’m the epitome of perfect health.’
I typed more.
‘The scar tissue looks like it slowed, so I guess I’ll live to see another day.’
My phone vibrated again, her text appearing on the screen, and I smiled.
‘You and me both. Cody’s been stuck up my butt the last two days, doting on me. You’d think I was dying.’
I chuckled under my breath. Cody. I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact he was half immortal. The possibility had never crossed my mind, but a part of me almost hoped she’d learn the truth. I’d be able to talk to her about everything. There’d finally be no secrets between us.
I tapped away at the screen.
‘That’s so adorable, it’s sickening.’
I quickly texted back once more as I rounded the corner and headed up the hill along Coal Street. I needed to clear my head, calm my pounding heart, flush out the nerves that left nausea roiling in my gut. I sighed, knowing that no matter what I did, it wouldn’t go away.
‘I just got to my parents’ place. I’ll text you later.’
She responded quickly.
‘Have fun! Cody’s bringing me lunch. I swear, this man is always concerned about whether I’m eating or not.’
I smiled, relieved she wasn’t home alone.
Both my parents’ cars were parked along the sidewalk, my dad having taken the day off to visit. I drew a deep breath, my gaze drifting over the details of their home, and I pushed my phone back into my pocket as I headed for the porch steps. I silently prayed theirs would be the only memories I’d have to erase in the end.
“Cas!” My mom rose from the couch the moment I stepped through the front door, her dirty blonde hair slipping over her shoulder before she tucked it behind her ear. She’d cut it since I’d seen her nearly a month ago around Christmas. It used to reach down to her shoulder blades, but now it brushed the top of her shoulders.
“Hey, Mom,” I said as she hugged me. I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tightly, feeling every part of that embrace, committing it to memory. Her scent filled my lungs, indescribable yet nostalgic. It was the scent of my childhood, of moments I’d cherish forever. “I love your haircut.”
She smiled, running her fingers through it. “Thank you. I just got it done Friday.”
“Where’s Dad?”
“He’s in the basement working on some project before we go out for dinner,” she said, as I slipped off my coat and hung it on the rack. “You thirsty? I could make some hot cocoa.”
I smiled, my eyes drifting over the details of her face, every fine line and wrinkle, the crow’s feet stemming from her eyes when she smiled. “Hot cocoa would be really nice right now.”
She turned and headed for the kitchen, and I followed, rubbing my hands together to warm them. My feet slowed as my gaze found the countless pictures decorating shelves, the memories that would soon be wiped away. The first time Dad took me fishing, and I’d caught my first fish. I’d never seen him smile as big as he did in that picture, my four-year-old self proudly displaying the tiny fish on my hook beside him. Another picture captured my first art competition, another my first time riding a bike, my private high school graduation they’d done, so I didn’t feel left out when Kat graduated. So many smiles.
“How did the doctor’s visit go?” she asked, and my gaze shot forward, stepping through the hallway and into the kitchen.
