To Love A Monster by Marina Simcoe

Author:Marina Simcoe [Simcoe, Marina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Marina Simcoe
Published: 2018-10-08T05:00:00+00:00

THE DAY BEFORE I HAD to leave for Calgary, I drove to Monster’s house again. By now, talking to him had become almost a daily necessity. I caught myself having conversations with him in my head even when he was not around.

The topics didn't need to be deep or personal. I would wonder if he’d like the new dish Melanie had added to the menu. Or wished I could ask him something about a movie I’d watched with Jo.

Christmas was the time I was supposed to leave Rocky River for good. My leg had long healed. The lunch program at school was up and running smoothly. As long as I wrote the monthly cheques for it to continue, I could arrange for others to place grocery orders. My presence was no longer required. Even Jo, my closest friend in town, was set to leave in a few months, as soon as her contract was up.

Monster was the biggest reason why I extended my rental agreement with Bob and Melanie until the end of January. I told myself he needed me, at the very least to help him finish bringing the house back to life. By now, the heating was functional, but the electricity was not on, and the plumbing still needed some repairs.

However, I couldn’t lie to myself—I needed him too. I was leaving to spend Christmas with my mother, but I had already promised to come back for New Year’s to celebrate it with him.

My last day, we roasted marshmallows in the fireplace in the living room and drank hot chocolate.

We said goodbye at the house before I left that afternoon, but driving to the road, I caught a flash of brown fur between the tree trunks—Monster obviously decided to see me off.

I pulled over to the side of the road and walked back to the end of the driveway.

“You should have told me you wanted to see me off, I would’ve given you a ride.” I called into the trees.

“I wouldn’t fit in the truck.” He pointed at his horns, stepping out on the driveway from behind the tree line. “Anyway, I like running.”

His chest heaved, but his breathing had slowed down as he came closer. One hand on the chain-ink fence on the side of the driveway, he remained behind the invisible property line.

“Did you want to say another goodbye?” I smiled.

“Honestly?” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I was hoping for a goodbye hug.”

I studied his now familiar face, the way the corners of his eyes crinkled when he looked at me, the warmth of his expression.

Did I really use to find him scary?

Even his size, the imposing height and bulk of him no longer felt intimidating to me. If anything, his appearance promised safety and protection.

I stepped over the invisible barrier and into his arms.

“This will help me make it through the week without you,” he whispered above my ear, holding me close.

Warm and firm, it was a hug that, for as long as it lasted, made everything right with the world.

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