“We explained to her that it’s progressing but not how quickly.”
Rory sighed. “I can’t imagine how frightening this must be for her.” She shuddered.
“It is frightening,” Andrea agreed solemnly. “I’m gonna head downstairs. You can come down when you’re ready.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll be down shortly.”
Ten minutes after her mother left, Rory made her way downstairs. She found Aunt Cora and Grandma Becky in the living room watching a prerecorded episode of ‘The Price is Right.’
“Hi, Aunt Cora.”
Cora’s eyes lit up at her presence, and she slipped off the couch to greet Rory. “Hi, honey. It’s so good to see you.”
“You too,” Rory smiled.
When the two separated, Rory looked over at the small, frail-looking woman still seated on the couch, her brown eyes staring back at her.
“Hi, Grandma,” she breathed softly out.
“Hi, dear,” she greeted back with a small smile.
Rory took tentative steps toward her. She carefully lowered herself into the space her aunt had vacated and gently wrapped her arms around her grandmother’s shoulders. Becky’s thin arms came up to wrap around her back.
“How are you feeling?” Rory asked when they separated, her eyes fixed on Becky’s face.
Her grandmother gave her a strained smile. “I could have been better, but I’m not complaining. I’m just glad that I get to have you all around me,” she expressed, her voice small and wispy as if it took much effort for her to speak.
Rory hugged her once more. “I’m happy to hear that, grandma,” she breathed out.
“Rory, your mom said to tell you if you need her, she’s on the back porch,” Cora informed her.
“Okay. Thanks, Aunt Cora. I’ll let you guys get back to your show.” Rory squeezed her grandmother’s arm warmly before getting up and heading for the back door. She found Andrea sitting on the wicker chair, staring out at the harbor.
She walked over and sat in the chair closest. “Hi,” she greeted.
“Hi.” Andrea smiled over at her daughter. “Want one?” She held up the can of Root beer to her.
“No thanks,” Rory declined.
The two sat in silence, comfortably staring out at the horizon. Hearing the creak of the door, the two looked over to see Julia stepping through it. Oblivious of their presence, she raised her hands above her head, slightly leaning forward as she released a tired groan.
“Oh, hi,” she greeted the moment she saw them.
“Hi, Jules,” Rory greeted her cousin.
“Hi, Rory. It’s great to see you again.”
Rory returned her smile with one of her own. “How’s the baby?” she asked, her gaze landing on Julia’s prominently rounded stomach.
Julia’s hand automatically touched her belly. A haunted look flashed in her hazel eyes before disappearing. “The baby’s fine,” she responded, a facsimile of a smile on her lips. “I’m gonna go for a walk.”
“Okay, sweetie,” Andrea answered.
Rory wondered what that was about. “Is she okay?” she turned to ask Andrea.
“She’s…” Andrea hesitated, unsure of what to say. “She’s going through a lot, but she doesn’t talk about it. All we can do is be there for her and give her time,” she finally explained.
Rory nodded. She understood that so well. Her heart went out to her cousin. “I think I’m gonna go for a walk too.” She hoisted herself to her feet.
