The Other Side of Tomorrow

She’s quiet.

“All that matters to me is knowing the light comes back. Your sunrise is here, Willa, don’t let it get away.”

I smile to myself because she’s right.

My transplant is my sunrise, and I have so much to accomplish before the sun sets again.

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Saturday, I find myself sitting forlornly by the window in my bedroom that overlooks the street below.

I can’t help thinking about the family burying their son today.

A beautiful life cut impossibly short.

Am I wrong for not going? It’s not like I’d have to tell them, “Hey, I think I got your son’s kidney.”

A part of me wants to meet them, to thank them, but fear of rejection keeps me at bay, especially today.

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Perry pushes his nose against my hand, demanding attention.

“Perry,” I groan at his persistence, but pet him anyway. Immediately, I feel better. I don’t know what it is about pets that make you feel better. They have this calming presence that washes over you.

Downstairs, the doorbell rings and I hear my mom open the door, greeting whoever is there.

Feet thud up the steps and then my door is blasted open.

I look over to find Meredith silhouetted in the doorway, a bag of junk food in her hands and a stack of DVDs under her arm. She kicks my door shut behind her and drops everything onto my bed.

I don’t move from the window, but Perry goes to inspect the food.

Meredith puts her hands on her hips, glaring down at me from her impossibly tall height, with her red hair billowing around her shoulders.

“I’m here to save the day. No more moping. We’re gonna watch movies all day long and talk about hot guys, binge on food that’s bad for us, and I’ll even braid your hair if you’re nice to me.”

I shake my head, stifling a laugh. “How’d you know?” I ask.

Her smile falters a little. “Harlow told me what was going on and that you might need a pick-me-up. And who better to do that than me?” She bows dramatically, then crosses the room to me, taking my hands and hauling me up from the bean bag I recline in.

“Now get your tush downstairs, make us some popcorn, and invite your sister in for some girl time. I’ll get everything set up.”

I felt down only minutes ago, but already Meredith has managed to turn my feelings around. I know I’m lucky to have a friend like her, one who’s always willing to drop what she’s doing to be by my side.

“Chop, chop.” She claps her hands and then smacks my butt, ushering me out of the room.

“Okay, okay, I’m going,” I say, holding my hands up in surrender as I leave my bedroom, Perry trailing behind me. I’m shocked he’d leave the food behind, but I guess he decides seeing what I’m up to is more important.

Downstairs I find my mom hefting her massive purse onto her shoulder.

“Oh, good, there you are,” she sighs in relief. “Take a look at this and see if I forgot anything.”

She hands me the grocery list, and I almost ask why she’s going grocery shopping when I always do it during the week, but then I realize that I can’t drive and until I can she’ll have to unless someone takes me.

I read over the list and then grab a pen off the holder on the counter and add a few items before handing it back.

“That should be good,” I tell her.