Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 24016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 120(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 120(@200wpm)___ 96(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
“Getting stuck in a snowstorm.” She shrugs, and then I see tears forming in her eyes.
“It happens more than you’d think,” I try to reassure her, but it probably doesn’t work. My words always come out harsher than I intend them to. “I just mean you’re not the only one.”
She sniffs and then nods. “I really appreciate you saving us, and all this too.” She looks around and then takes a bite of the soup. The humming sound of approval she makes is soft, and it makes something weird happen in my chest.
“It’s not a problem.” I’m surprised that I mean the words when I say them. Glancing down at Mina, I can’t help but remember AJ at this age. It was only a couple of years ago, but he’s grown so much since then. There’s so much I’m missing because of the pain I feel when I get close to him.
“Why don’t you decorate for Christmas?” The question surprises me and pulls me out of my spiraling thoughts.
“I don’t celebrate.” It’s the generic response I’ve given people in the past and seems to be enough. But somehow, I know that Nyah won’t be so easily appeased by it.
“You don’t have family?”
“I do.”
“Do they live far away?” she asks between bites.
“No.” The more answers I give her, the more she seems to want.
“Do they not celebrate?”
“They do.”
“Do you not get along?”
“We do.” I let out a heavy sigh.
She takes a bite of the grilled cheese I made and briefly closes her eyes. “This is so good by the way.” I’m thinking she’s done with her questions, but no such luck. “So if you have family, they live close, and they celebrate, why don’t you celebrate with them?”
“My brother died five years ago, and I don’t like celebrating without him,” I admit, and it might be the first time I’ve ever said the words out loud.
“That’s so sad. I’m sorry for your loss.” She looks down at her empty bowl of soup and then shakes her head. “I bet it’s even harder for your family to celebrate without the both of you now.”
“What?” It takes me a second to realize what she’s saying. That my family not only lost Aspen on Christmas but now they’ve lost me too. Fuck.
Mina stirs beside Nyah, and when she goes to move the tray, I sit up and take it from her. She ate almost everything, and I’m sure she’s ready to go back to sleep.
“I’ll carry her,” I offer when Nyah tries to pick her up. She’s probably still worn out from the fever.
“Thank you.” She smiles weakly, and her eyes are heavy as we walk back to the master bedroom. Once I place Mina in the bed, Nyah climbs in beside her, and I go to leave. “We’ll be out of your hair in the morning,” she announces and then yawns.
My first thought is to tell her no, but I try a gentler tactic. “The storm isn’t going anywhere before then. You’re safe here. There’s no rush.”
Her eyes close as soon as her head hits the pillow, but I’m pretty sure I see her nod. “’Kay,” she manages to mumble before the soft sounds of her breathing take over.
As quietly as I can, I close the door and go back to the living room to clean up. Looking around, I see my home through Nyah’s eyes and I can’t help but replay her words.
Did my family really lose me along with Aspen?
CHAPTER 5
NYAH
Last night it didn’t take long for Mina and me to fall asleep. She’s always been good about bedtime, and the two of us could cuddle up and watch movies all day.
I run my fingers through her hair and think about what Fraser said last night. You’re safe here. Is it wrong that I hope it keeps on snowing? It would be nice to stay somewhere for a bit to relax and regroup. We’ve only been running for a few days, but it feels like weeks. This is the first time since we left that I can take a deep breath.
We got lucky.
Rolling over on my back, I realize it’s been a long time since I felt any luck. I don’t know who sent Fraser our way, but the grumpy giant saved us and then invited us to stay longer.
I give Mina a kiss on the cheek before I slip from the bed. I’m dying to get clean because the yoga pants and sweater from a few days ago feel gross.
Once I’m in the shower, I relax against the tile wall and let the warm water run over me. By the time I make myself get out, I feel a million times better. Wrapping my hair in a towel and then another around my body, I go in search of clothes. Not wanting to put on my dirty ones again, I look around for something else I can wear. I hit the jackpot when I open a drawer and find boxers along with thick socks.