Until the Sun Forgets to Rise by Asermily Sarah

Author:Asermily, Sarah
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-12-26T00:00:00+00:00

The Bug Collection

It’s been years since we last visited, but the charm the exterior of Theodore’s childhood home exudes has withstood the test of time. It was Christmas the last time we were here. Where white lights once sparkled among the gutters hangs an invisible cloak of despair.

Theodore pulls our car into the large driveway, and I count five cars beginning to accumulate snow. Despite having been able to hold my own when I first met his siblings, my nerves leave a pit in my stomach in anticipation of having to protect Theodore from them once again. As I take my seatbelt off, I turn to him, and he’s staring at the house with sorrow in his eyes.

I reach over to grab his hand. “Hey,” I say as I give it a tight squeeze.

He turns to look at me. “Thank you for being here.” His expression is blank.

“I’m offended you’d imply there’d be any other option,” I try to joke, but he doesn’t so much as smile. “You tell me what you need, and you’ve got it, okay? Seriously, we’ll get through this together. Ready?”

He winces as I ask, but nods. “I guess so.”

He leans over and kisses my temple, lingering there and breathing me in. He undoes his seatbelt, and we make our way to the house.

As soon as we cross the threshold, the melancholy is palpable. The sound of the door latching behind us sends a jolt of electricity through my body, making me shudder. The liveliness of the house has disappeared. A desolate foyer welcomes us. I try to rehearse in my head what I’ll say when I see Theodore’s family as we remove our coats and shoes.

What do you say to a person who has lost their child? Their brother? Nothing that’ll help, Emma. Just stick with, “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Ugh. I wish I was better at this kind of thing.

Theodore leads me into the family room, where we find his family sitting on the couch together. My heart stutters at the sight of them.

Nancy stands to greet us. “Oh, sweetheart.” She pulls Theodore to her.

He slackens into her and hugs her back.

Seeing Nancy in such a vulnerable state, looking so plain and everyday-like, makes me feel like I’m violating her. I haven’t been able to unglue my stare from her since we entered the room—her curled blonde ponytail looking frizzy and unkempt, her mismatched tracksuit looking more casual than I’d ever pictured her before, the wrinkles on her forehead and bags under her eyes unconcealed by makeup.

Theodore’s parents seemed so well-maintained and perfect when we met that I forgot they’re people just like him or me. This is what heartbreak looks like. All that I can feel is a deep ache in my chest, so sorry for the pain they must feel.

She pulls away from Theodore and looks at me, still blubbering. “Honey, we’re so happy you’re here.” She sniffles as she embraces me next.

“If there’s anything you need…” I begin to say.

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