“That’s a big step. Are you ready?”
“Yeah actually. I think I am. I know in my heart that I haven’t let her down. I know she won’t see it that way.”
“You are one hundred percent correct.”
She hands me a plate with two giant round waffles on it. I smoother them in butter and syrup, then join her at the table.
“Do you have any plans today?” I ask her.
“I’m going to be working in the garden. It’s time to start planting all my baby plants.”
She points to the tall plastic thing behind me.
“Oh, I didn’t realize that’s what was in there.” I look a little harder and see rows of little green sprouts. “Is this like an indoor green house?”
“Sure is. Makes it so much easier, too. I used to line them up on my table and kitchen counters. Didn’t leave much room for cooking and eating.”
I huff out a small laugh, then dig into my waffles.
“Has he reached out to you?” she asks, and my heart skips a beat.
“He texted me yesterday. Just letting me know the cats are doing well and none of my plants have died.”
“You’re welcome to bring your plants and cats here. I can’t believe I didn’t think about that sooner.”
“I appreciate that. I didn’t want to you to feel obligated, so that’s why I didn’t ask.”
“Girl, I know how much those crazy fluff balls mean to you. And let’s be honest, I have so many plants in here already, they’ll just blend in.”
I look around the big open floor plan house. I guess I never really noticed how many plants she has. Maybe I’m just so used to seeing mine every day that it seemed normal.
“Okay. I’ll text him and see about stopping by after I talk to my mom.”
“Whatever you need to do. I told you, my home is your home.”
I can feel emotions getting stuck in my throat. I swallow them down with the next bite of waffle, willing my tears to go away.
“Oh, by the way. My guy finally got back to me.”
“The tattoo guy?”
“Yes. his name is Titus.”
I pause my fork as it’s leading to my mouth.
“Titus? Is that his real name or like a nickname?”
“That’s his real name, and he can get you in on Tuesday.”
“Tuesday is perfect. I’m happy to have something positive to look forward to. Even if it is kind of erasing my past.”
“Or adding to your journey.”
“True.”