Page 207 of As They Are
Instead of searching for my next project, I barely left the house. The fixing up, running, and then being chased by Henry unlocked an exhaustion that I’d never felt before, and for the first time in my life, I didnothing.
Technically, I did Henry.But that was beside the point.
He’d needed the recovery too. After his meltdown, he’d closed the clinic and posted in the group that he needed a break. The outpouring of support had made him tear up.
Still, he recovered faster than I did. When Wednesday came around, he was ready to get back to his routine, though he told me multiple times to take as much time as I needed.
By the seventh day, I was feeling more like myself. Who knew eating three square meals a day, getting eight hours of sleep, and having an actual routine could make a huge difference?
Not me.
Mollie and Tammy checked in. Kelsey had already friend-requested me on Facebook and sent a long message about how she wasn’t here to take her mom from me and how she was super excited to get to know me. I’d promised to make an effort once I felt up to it, but for the longest time, I was happy to stay in my pajamas and sleep whenever I needed to.
Until today.
Usually, Henry would be coming inside from watering all the plants. When I came downstairs, I expected him to be in the kitchen, but he was nowhere to be found.
I went out the back door. The smell of blooming late-summer flowers hit me the second I went outside, and I heard voices near the back fence.
“So, with that, I think we could rely on pansies and violas for the pots. But vary the color to brighten up the space, you know?”
“That’s what I usually do, though the pansies are easier to find. Everyone goes for those.”
Henry was talking to Kerry. His hands were in his pockets, and he was nodding along to what she was saying. She had been coming by to talk about all the plans she had for the square ever since she found out he was the one taking care of it.
“Well I don’t wanna do whateveryonedoes. What do you think of a native flower?”
“I’m always interested in that.”
“Oh, Wren!” Kerry’s face broke out into a smile when she saw me. “I haven’t seen you in forever!”
Henry whirled around, blinking when he saw me.
“You’re dressed.”
Kerry gasped. “What doesthatmean?”
Henry’s eyes went wide. “Oh,no.I-I meant?—”
“I spent the week in pajamas,” I explained with a laugh. “Though now, it’s time for my being a recluse to come to an end.”
“We’ve all missed you!” Kerry said. “Henry’s been very clear about letting you rest.”
“I appreciate it.” I put a hand on Henry’s shoulder. “And I don’t mean to cut the flower talk short, but if this one doesn’t get breakfast soon, he’ll be thrown off.”
“No problem,” Kerry said with a wave. “I now have to find native plants that are good in pots.”
“I have a few ideas,” Henry began. “You could just?—”
“No, no. I wanna learn! It gives me something to do. I’ll catch you tomorrow.” She waved and walked back toward the square.
“You’re gonna have to add chatting with her to the schedule,” I said.
“I think so,” he replied. “But she’s excited. And it’s nice to have someone to talk to about the square. Even if she’s the one doing most of the talking.”
“I’ll also help,” I replied. “I’m back in business now.”
Henry grabbed my hand and led me inside. “Please tell me it’s because you want to and not because of anyone else.”
