The Gift Of Life by KM Lowe

Author:KM Lowe [Lowe, KM]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Harper

I’ve been at my parents’ house for a few hours. I’ve unpacked the things my dad picked up from home that Drew had packed for me. In amongst all my things were my Kindle, laptop, and phone. I’m not sure if I’m ready to work on my laptop, but I’m ready for reading. I’ve missed the escapism my Kindle and books bring me. However, my phone is another matter. I’m not ready to speak to people. I quite like having control over who I speak to and when, so I put the phone in my bedside drawer and close it.

“Small steps, Harper. You’re not running a race.” Dr Carmichael’s words echo in my ears and that’s what I need to remember. There isn’t a time limit on how long it takes me to feel normal again.

“Knock, knock...” My mum pushes my bedroom door open and comes in and sits on my bed. “I’ve got some dinner made if you’re hungry.”

I think about eating, and every time I do, my stomach churns.

“I can’t eat a lot, Mum.”

“No pressure here, honey. I’ve made spag bol and garlic bread, your favourite. It’s all ready and you can plate up whatever you like.”

I give in, because I need to eat, and my mum won’t settle until I try something. Everyone’s eyes are well and truly going to be glued to me until I prove to them that I am okay.

“Okay. Lead the way.”

I follow my mum downstairs and take in every picture that adorns the walls. The memories are magical. A time when everyone was happy and had no cares in the world.

“Look at you and Jack at the Santa Fe Hotel in Disneyland Paris.”

My hand runs over the glass delicately. “That was the day that Jack fell off the wall and split his eye open. Mickey Mouse held his hand throughout the whole cleanup. Jack said that was the best part of the holiday.”

“He always was the wild one. That’s why I have grey hair now.”

I laugh. I full-on belly laugh. And it feels bloody good. I can’t remember the last time I laughed like that. And that’s why I always take pictures, because one day we might not have the brain power to remember things, but a photo never lies. A photo speaks a thousand words.

“Look at this one of you and Drew at prom.”

I remember that night. We were just good friends at that point, but I knew then that Drew was meant to be my knight in shining armour. My one true love.

“He always was handsome.” It isn’t until I hear my mum laughing that I realise I said my thoughts out loud. “Do you think we will ever get back what we once were?”

My mum places her hands on my cheeks and draws me close to her. “Always. You were meant to be together. That man loves you. He loved you as a boy and that will never change. I couldn’t have wished for a better son-in-law, Harper. All marriages go through difficult patches, sweetheart.

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