Flawless Desire

“Where are all her things?” I ask.

Ann looks surprised. “In her new room. That was your instruction, wasn’t it? The best room in the building.”

I look to Caleb, who has a knowing smile dancing on his lips. “You knew about this?” I ask.

He squeezes my hand. “I may have called to see if there was anything we could do to make her more comfortable. They mentioned she enjoyed the gardens, so it made sense for her to have a private patio.”

I want to throw my arms around his neck and kiss him, right there in the hallway.

“Thank you,” I mutter, squeezing back.

We follow Ann to a part of the building I didn’t know existed. This section is plusher, brighter, and homier. “She’s right in here.”

Ann directs us into a room that must be twice the size of her last one, decorated in cheery yellow tones. And the light! Everything is bright and sunny, and she even has a little seating area off the main bedroom with a couch and comfortable chairs. There is a pair of French doors ajar, leading outside, and when I step out, I find her on a small patio overlooking the gardens. She’s pottering around, watering some herbs that are growing in colorful tubs.

“Hi, Mom!” I say brightly, hoping and praying that she’ll remember me.

She looks over and smiles. “Juliet. I was just thinking about you. The basil is coming in so nicely, remember that pesto recipe you always loved?”

My heart swells. It’s just a simple memory, but it means so much that she can hold onto it, even for a little while.

I rush over and give her a massive hug. “I missed you,” I choke out, before getting myself under control. “I brought you something.”

Caleb steps in, and my mom’s eyebrows shoot up. “All this, for me?” she asks, teasing.

I laugh.

“Actually, the pastries are for you,” Caleb says, holding out the box. “I’m already taken.”

“This is Caleb.” I introduce them. “He’s . . . My . . .”

Oh, god. What is he? Boss isn’t right. Not anymore. Boyfriend is too sixth-grade. And lover? Nothing can bring me to say that in front of my mother.

He comes forward and shakes her hand. “Hello, Ms. Nichols. Lovely to meet you,” he says with his effortless charm, and the issue is forgotten.

She beams. “Goodness. Aren’t you handsome?” She winks at me.

“Mom!”

He laughs. “It’s quite alright. Can I get you ladies something to drink with those pastries? I saw a coffee machine on my way in.”

“Thank you.”

He leaves us to it, and I take a seat beside mom, watching her tend to her plants. “Well…” she says, giving me a knowing look. “No wonder you look so happy.”

“Do I?”

“Of course. It’s written all over your face. You can’t hide love,” she adds, smiling.

Love…

I let out a shiver of breath. It’s been dancing around my mind all day, but I’m not ready to admit it to myself just yet. “It’s… Complicated,” I tell her, but mom just smiles.

“Love is simple. Everything else? Well, that can get messy. But you always know in your heart what’s right.” Mom pats my hand. “The trick is, listening to that voice inside, instead of all the noise around you.”

I smile, overwhelmed with emotion. To be sitting here, talking like normal… it’s something I never take for granted. Because every moment of clarity is a gift I might never get back.

Caleb returns with our drinks, and we all sit, eating and talking. I wish I could stay forever, but Ann eventually interrupts us. “It’s time for her therapy session,” she says, regretful. “It’s really important for her treatment.”