We, the Wildflowers by L.B. Simmons

Author:L.B. Simmons
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Published: 2020-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

21

Standing beside Sally’s car, an old boxy Volkswagen Jetta that predates our existence, possibly even hers, I wipe my cheeks free of tears and watch as she tosses the remainder of her office into the trunk. Her eyes mirror ours, watery and swollen in anticipation of our inevitable goodbye.

She slams the lid, and when she turns to face us, her chin trembles. Her bleary gaze meets each of ours before she releases a lengthy, resigned sigh.

“I’m so sorry. I had hoped nothing would change with their arrival.” Her mouth tightens into a paper-thin line. “I will fight this. I will talk to every person I can at Sacred Heart and communicate my fears that more change at this point could be detrimental to your healing. I will do this until I have no voice. And when I can no longer speak, I will write everyone and anyone I can think of to get me back in here.”

Her eyes flood with more tears, and as I watch her break down, I know she’s coming to the same conclusion we’ve already drawn.

None of this would have happened if she’d just been able to take over.

Her eyes slam shut and her head falls into her hands. I take a step to comfort her, but I’m startled back into place when she flings her head back and looks to the sky. After inhaling deeply, she brushes the tears from her face, quickly regaining composure and resolve. “I did not prevent this, but I will do my damnedest to fix it.”

She nods resolutely, and we do the same in acceptance of her words. It’s all we can do.

Genny surprises me by stepping forward, then floors me when she wraps her arms around Sally in a warm embrace. Not once has she been inclined to hug someone outside our group. Not even Mrs. Rodriguez.

Sally’s arms tighten around Genny’s upper body, and her hand lovingly strokes her pink hair. We watch silently in awe, then together we move to where they stand, and we embrace them both as best we can.

From within the depths of our bunched bodies, Sally whispers, “Wait for me, hold on to each other, and never lose hope.”

Then it’s as if the pain can no longer be contained—we just kind of lose it. Eventually though, we force ourselves to release her and watch as Sally rounds her car and opens the door.

She leans inside, shuffles around a bit, and turns to face us with a pen clamped between her teeth. She glances around conspiratorially and hurriedly writes something on the back of what looks to be a business card. One by one, she distributes them to each of us. “This is my personal number. Strictly against Sacred Heart policy, but regardless, these are for you. Do not hesitate to call if you need anything, day or night.”

We put the cards away swiftly, and when we look up, we’re met with Sally’s defeated stare. “I’m so, so sorry.”

Adam blows out a breath, then answers, “Don’t be sorry.

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