After ending the call, I explained to the trio that I had called my grandmother, Mavis. I went on to tell them that she resides in a grand estate with a guesthouse, a vast forest, and even a serene lake.
Nate can’t help but ask, “So, you must be rich?” I quickly reply, “No, not me. It’s my grandparents who are wealthy. Although my grandfather passed away three years ago.”
I cry, not because I mention my grandfather, but just the whole situation.
Nate pulls me close and envelops me in a warm embrace. As I lean into him, he whispers reassuringly, “Don’t worry, baby. Cain will sort this out soon enough and we’ll be back here before you know it.”
Cain and Mike come over and join in the embrace, wrapping their arms around me. Amidst my tears, I managed to ask them, “What about work and everything?”
Cain explains that he has some holiday time owed to him that he can use. Mike reassures me that he can teach his lessons online and take medical leave, reminding me that spring break is just around the corner. Nate chimes in, confidently saying he is his own boss and can easily find work anywhere.
“We better start packing,” Mike states.
Nate, who seems lost in thought, replies, “Before we hit the road, I need to make a quick stop somewhere.”
The Jeep is tightly packed with everyone’s luggage as we embark on our long journey to my grandmother’s house. I sit in the front seat next to Cain, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face and the cool breeze through the window. Before we hit the main roads, Nate insists on quickly stopping somewhere. As we pull up to a massive care home, Cain announces that he and Mike will wait in the car. Nate jumps out of the car and rushes to my side, opening the door for me and extending his hand. I take it and leave the car, slightly puzzled. “Why are we here?” I ask, with a curious look on my face.
As I gaze around at the stunning surroundings, I am immediately captivated by the beauty of the lush gardens that surround me. The gentle sound of the water fountain outside adds a sense of tranquility to the atmosphere. The window flower boxes are a sight to behold, with their vibrant blooms that seem to burst with life and vitality.
“You’ll see,” Nate replies, holding my hand tightly as we walk into the care home, our footsteps echoing through the hall.
We arrive at the front desk and a friendly nurse greets us. I feel Nate’s hand in mine and we walk down long hallways. Finally, we reach a door and Nate knocks before leading me inside. My eyes adjust to the dim light and I see a woman with a neat, gray bob sitting in a chair by the window. Suddenly, it dawns on me that this is Nate’s mother.
Nate walks up to his mother and pulls out two chairs, placing them alongside her. We both take a seat.
His mother greets us with a smile, “Hello.”
Nate responds politely, “Hi, how are you?”
She replies, “I’m ok. But can I ask, do you know when my father will pick me up?” I notice Nate looking at me, so I place my hands on his, offering my support.
I glance over at Nate’s mother. I notice that she’s wearing a cozy, red, wool jumper that seems to suit her well. Even though her age has slightly weathered her features, it’s evident that she must have been a stunning woman in her younger days. Sitting in my chair, I can smell a faint yet soothing aroma from her. It’s a blend of fresh cotton and lavender that’s both refreshing and calming. My heart aches for Nate as I realize his mother doesn’t recognize him. It’s a heart-wrenching moment that I can only imagine must be incredibly difficult for him.
“This is Tessie. I spoke about her the other day. Do you remember?” he inquires.
I look at her and she stares at me momentarily, examining me. “My, my,” she remarks, “you are a stunning little creature, aren’t you?”
I feel my cheeks flush and reply, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Greenman.”
She doesn’t reply to me. She turns to Nate and asks, “So, what’s your name?”
Nate replies calmly, “I am Nate.”
I could feel his hand tighten around mine.
“Lovely to meet you, Nate. This must be your wife?” his mother asks.
We both just smile at her. We both don’t know what to say to her.
“I wanted you to meet her. She means a lot to me,” he says with a hint of eagerness in his voice. His mother giggles with a child-like innocence, gazing out the window with a twinkle in her eye.
Nate informs his mother that he is going away for a while but reassures her that he will call every week. His mother nods and bids him a lovely holiday. Nate stands up from his chair and I follow suit. I notice that he is trying to hold back tears. I give him and his mother some privacy and walk towards the door.
I hear Nate say, “I love you, Mom.”
His mother replies with equal affection, “I love you, too, son.”
I stop in my tracks and turn around in shock. She remembers him.
Suddenly, Nate drops to his knees, crying uncontrollably. His mother places her hand on his head and comforts him. The sudden emotional outburst takes me aback. Nate looks up at his mother through tears and asks, “You remember me?” His mother looks at him with a mix of sadness and love in her eyes and replies, “Of course I remember my only son.”
He says with a sense of urgency, “I’m going to say this fast, as I fear you might forget me soon. But I want you to know I love you so much, Mom. Your love and sacrifices have made me who I am today and I will always be grateful to you for that.”
As Nate cries, she lovingly strokes his head, trying to soothe him. Suddenly, she turns her head, meeting my gaze, and whispers something into Nate’s ear. I can’t quite make out her words, but they seem to affect her deeply as she tears up and tightly squeezes Nate’s hand before kissing it tenderly.
Nate rises from his knees and stands up to his full height. His mother releases his hand and gazes up at him, her eyes widening in surprise. “You’re a towering young man, aren’t you?” she remarks absentmindedly.
It’s clear that she has forgotten who Nate is again. A wave of sadness washes over me as I watch the scene unfold.
His mother slowly rises from her chair. She turns to Nate and says, “It was wonderful meeting you, but I am feeling quite exhausted and would like to take a nap now, please.”
Nate nods understandingly and replies, “Of course, we will catch up soon.”
He walks over to me and I reach out to grab his hand. We exit the room together and I quickly embrace him as soon as we are out of sight.
“You’re so strong, baby,” I whisper in his ear.
