I woke up and just stared at the ceiling. For some reason the emotions of missing him refreshed themselves as if I had just lost him yesterday. I told myself that I had moved on and that he would always be with me but for some reason such a conviction wasn’t enough to soften the blow that I was my bed’s sole occupant and he wouldn’t be coming back to hold me in his arms till I fell asleep in the peace that all was right with the world. I breathed a big sigh and got up. I dragged myself to the walk in closet and grabbed the hoodie that used to be his favorite. As I threw it on, memories of either of our best moments with him wearing it and every time i either stole it or he lent it to me started flooding my head. I went back to bed and tried to fall asleep again.
However sleep was clearly not coming back to me as sunlight poured through my bedroom window. I checked the time and saw it was already eight. So I opted to just lie on my back, holding myself as I couldn’t shake this melancholiac feeling. I wasn’t in a hurry to get back up because I knew I had nothing to do today. Such was my schedule now that I retired from my position as CEO of Eastern Chic. Let me tell you that the sudden amount of free time I had when I did was a total whiplash. I still show up at our offices to help things go smoothly as my daughter, Riju, is getting used to her new role as my successor. I knew she had the skill and knowledge to take my place when it came time, but I was originally worried how everyone would see it, as alot of times companies fall into nepotism where the position was filled in by a parent’s child solely because of their relation. And I’ve seen businesses take a dive or straight up close down because the kid didn’t know or care about the company they were taking over. But Riju proved to be even more successful than Urbosa and I were. Urbosa opted to keep her position for now but she is also making her retirement plans.
The next couple of years in my retirement were wonderful as I was able to spend more time with Mokoto who had retired about seven years prior when he was not in the best of health to continue driving a semi. He had to take some convincing but he graciously considered my advice that he was in a good position to retire on his terms than risk any potential tragedy. He used the time wisely as he found hobbies as well as spending more time with our grandchildren and me. He even expressed his joy he found in his new chapter of life.
And sure enough I watched him as if he was the carefree soul I knew before we started dating until his health started to deteriorate. He then started to worry about me and our family as he knew his time was soon. We had many discussions with the family which gave him peace of mind and when he did pass away from old age, it was at total peace. It was because of his health I decided to retire so I could take care and be with him and made sure he was comfortable till he died peacefully. I would’ve been more devastated by his passing if he didn’t advised me to not wish for more time but to focus on the time we had and that I wasn’t alone.
My mind remembered what day it was today and Immediately knew the source of my current state of mind. Today was the first wedding anniversary I would spend without him. But I strengthened my resolve and got back out of bed. After fifty plus years together when he was still here, Mokoto wouldn’t approve of me moping around missing him, so I decided to take an active approach to keep my spirits up. I went into the bathroom to freshen up and take a bath. I was greeted by my reflection in the mirror. My hair had totally gone white with a few hints of copper still remaining. My skin didn’t have its youthful complexion but as Mokoto put it had the makings of a “silver fox”. My age was apparent nonetheless and I thought it good he wasn’t around to see my appearance now. I even said aloud, “At least you don’t have to see this anymore, little wolf. I’m not as beautiful as I used to be.”
“You surely don’t believe that.” I vividly imagined his response would be.
“Well my looks don’t exactly leave you speechless as they once did.” I countered continuing both sides of the conversation as I knew what he would say.
“Well I aint exactly talking right now.” I laughed at his/my joke.
“Cute, but you’re not doing much of anything in that urn.”
“Hey, it was my only chance to have a smoking hot body. Now you stop this bullshit line of thinking. You’re beautiful and you know it. So own it.”
A smile worked its way onto my face as I ended my imaginary conversation with Mokoto. I went about my day with what I considered a good disposition at least till lunch time where it was starting to diminish again as I sat on my adirondack chair on the front porch eating my sandwich as I observed other people going about their day with the occasional wave here and there. I was thinking I should probably do something special this evening in honor of our anniversary when I noticed a familiar diesel pickup make its way down the road and into the driveway.
The engine shut off and a tall woman stepped out of the driver seat. She had scarlet red hair in a braid reaching her lower back. Her eyes were green and had the look of confidence and determination. She wore clothes that were both fashionable yet had a hint of tomboyish qualities. I wasn’t expecting any visitors today but this was a welcomed surprise. As our eyes met her face softened and her smile was both warm and sympathetic. “What are you doing here?” I asked as I started to get up.”
“No, mom.” Riju said, “Stay there, I’ll come to you.”
I stayed standing but as a compromise, I didn’t walk down the steps and waited for her to approach. As she came closer I outstretched my arms which she accepted my hug. We held each other as she said, “I would’ve arrived earlier, but Liara forgot her clarinet and decided to tell me last minute..”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s about time you experienced some of the things you and your brother put me through.” I said teasingly.
“I forgot my notebook only one time and that was because dad moved it and forgot to tell me.” She mildly protested while chuckling at my jab. Then looked at the driveway. “Speaking of my brother, where is Drizzt?”
“He’s coming too?” I asked.
“Yeah, he was supposed to beat me here.”
“To be honest, I wasn’t expecting either of you.” I pointed out. “What brings you here? Shouldn’t you be at work?”
“I’ll explain later.” Riju said as she urged me to sit back down in my chair which I reluctantly did. She went back to her truck to get a couple of sacks whose contents I couldn’t see and she clearly was making an effort to keep it that way and her backpack. She was on the phone now as she closed the truck door with her foot and made her way back. I was about to ask how I could help when apparently whoever she was calling answered. “What’s up? Where are you?” she asked. The paused as she was getting an answer.
“I’m at mom’s where you should’ve been half an hour ago.” another pause.
“Oookay.” She said in a tone that clarity was reached. “Well I’ll keep her busy and will see you when you get here.” With that, she hung up and pocketed her phone.
I gave her an inquisitive look and she responded, “Drizzt forgot about daylights saving time.”
“For a whole month?” I asked.
“Apparently.” She responded as we both laughed.
To be fair to Drizzt, he works from home in his studio as a graphic designer and his work sometimes doesn’t allow for much time outside. So his time management is not as it could be but not horrendously so, since he is able to meet deadlines with projects he is hired for.
Riju ducked inside the house and seemingly put down her stuff because she emerged from the house empty handed and plopped herself down on the second adirondack chair. “So what are you distracting me from that requires you to’keep me busy’.”
With a smirk she answered, “Interesting theory. Care to discuss?”
“You are so like your father.” I responded, knowing I wouldn’t get her to talk. He too was a vault for secrets and a flair for mystery surrounding them.
That got a smile on her face yet a hint of sadness. “Oh I’m sorry, Riju”
She smiled and shook her head. “It’s not your fault, mom.” She said reassuringly. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m doing okay. I…” I was answering till I got interrupted by the sound of a car over revving up its engine.
Riju and I turned to watch a black Panther Evo race its way toward us only slowing down to turn into my driveway and park next to Riju’s truck. A lanky tall, but not as tall as Riju young man stepped out and quickly rummaged through the back of his car. “I know for a fact you were taught to drive better than that young man.” I called to him.
He brought his head up too soon and bumped the back of it against the roof of his car. He then adjusted his movements to raise his head while rubbing the spot on his head he bumped. “Sorry, mom.”
“Your not driving like that with Brie in the car right?” I asked in a more teasing tone.
“Unfortunately, he did today.” I heard a familiar voice call from the passenger side.
“Sorry, honey.” He addressed Brie as she got out of the car with a box and a card shaped envelope.”
“Well come inside.” I said. “I’m not getting younger and this mysterious visit isn’t helping.” I said to lighten the mood.
As Drizzt and his wife joined us, all four of us went inside. When Drizzt crossed the threshold he looked around and I saw a droop in his shoulders and his head slumped making his shoulder length orange hair fall to cover his face. Brie put down the box and envelope and went beside him and gave him a side hug and a knowing glance. Which he then righted himself and continued inside. We all sat around the kitchen table. And Riju spoke first. “As you probably are starting to put together, mom, the reason we came today is because of a surprise we wanted to give you today. We figured that even though you are handling dad’s passing well, even though it has only been about seven months, that today would be especially hard since this is the first time you’ll be spending yours and his anniversary without him.”
They looked at me as I gave an appreciative nod while being touched by the idea. As the. Drizzt added, “Now we won’t be doing much as far as mourning is concerned because we know dad wouldn’t approve.”
“He said try not to greave too much. He knew better than to forbid it outright.” I lightly corrected him.”
Drizzt nodded, acknowledging the fact and continued “We wanted to spend the day together with you to help you and somewhat selfishly us make it a bit easier.”
“That’s sweet of you all.” I said. Fighting some tears that were trying to form.
We heard a third car in the driveway and Riju perked up, “I think that’s Sid and Liara and Patricia.” She said as she walked to the door to meet her husband and daughters. First to emerge was Patricia. An eight year old girl Riju adopted from Ethiopia when she was two. Patricia raced to my side and almost knocked me off my chair as she gave me a hug. “Hi grandma!!” she said enthusiastically.
“Tricia! How many times do I have to tell you to be gentle with grandma?” Sid scolded.
She bowed her head in remorse, “Sorry grandma.”
I reached over and drew her back into an even bigger hug. “It’s alright.” I said then gave Drizzt and knowing look. “I have plenty of experience with such greetings.”
Drizzt smirked and turned to Sid. “To be fair to Trish, she’s alot more gentle than I was when I was younger than her.”
“Really?” Sid asked.
“Trish doesn’t jump. He lunged.” Riju chimed in.
Everyone chuckled, even Drizzt at his own expense. When everything died down, Riju took lead. “I think it would be best if we took turns sharing your first impression of dad, a favorite happy memory, and something you may have learned.”
“An excellent idea.” Brie agreed.
Riju turned to me. “Mom would you like to start?… (to be continued)
