More Than Me

“Crystal. How are you darling?” Sylvia Houston says as she hugs me.

“I am doing well. Thank you. How are you and Mr. Houston doing?”

“We are alive my girl. That is all that matters. What brings you by at this hour?”

“I was checking on mama and noticed that there were things amiss. Mama says there were lots of people here today, cleaning and such. We both know how her mind is, but something is going on. I was just wondering if you knew anything about it?” I shift from foot to foot, not able to hide the impatience to find out the truth.

“As a matter of fact, when we got home from grocery shopping, we did note a limo and a van in the driveway. We saw a gang of people cutting the lawn and such, but I am afraid I didn’t notice anyone coming and going from the house. Though, I did notice a handsome looking man, in town that clearly didn’t belong there, inquiring about nurses and such.” Oh God. My stomach begins to lurch as the feeling of nauseous overcomes me. He was never supposed to know this. How did he find out that this is my inevitability? “are you alright honey?” she asks me, seeing the distress on my face.

“Yes. Thank you.” I walk away from her, not sure what to do when a car drives up. I half hope, half dread it being Hector. I don’t understand the disappointment when it is not, but I cover.

“Hello. Are you Crystal?” a nice woman in a blue hospital outfit asks me.

“I am yes. May I ask who you are?”

“Of course. My name is Sandy. I am here to take care of your mom for the night. There will be two of us, taking shifts. Anatrice and myself. Her shift will start at eight in the morning until six at night and then I will come.” she says so matter of factly like all of this is planned out and normal.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know if there has been some sort of mistake, but there is no way I can afford this. Maybe the hospital has finally approved my grant, but even still I wouldn’t be able to afford both of you.”

“He said you would say something like that. In which case I am to give you this letter and go on about my night. Don’t worry, your mother is in good hands, dear. Here is a list of my credentials and my letters of recommendations. If you have any questions, I am always here. Here is my number. Have a good night.” she walks away. I stumble, walking toward the bench, my hands trembling as I contemplate the letter it is holding. I know it is from him and though I know I can trust him, without a shadow of doubt, I am still scared to read it. However, the hope inside of me, wins out. I open it and gasp.

My darling Corazon,

I have finally found the very thing keeping you from me and I must say, it was quite a surprise, but not enough to keep you from me. I have to tell you how admirable and selfless what you are doing is and it makes me love you more. My love, I have found the best assisted living program in the state and your mom will be a resident as of next week. Until then, I have hired Sandy and Anatrice to care for her. I know this is not the only thing keeping you from me, but it is by far the biggest.

In order to be able to face this together, you have to come to me, Corazon. Come to me and let’s finally meet our future. Let’s make a life that is as beautiful as the love we share. My promise to you, my love is no matter what, I will not abandon you. I will ace all darkness and bring light anywhere you need it.

I love you, Corazon. Come to me.

Your Hector.

I can’t stop the tears from falling down my face as I grab my keys and drive toward the future, I have been denying myself. “I’m coming, Hector.” I say out loud, hoping the wind carries it to him. I’m coming.Hector“No, not big enough. It needs to be at least seven rooms, and a bathroom in each.” My realtor is flipping through houses for sale, as I continue looking over the contract my lawyer has drawn up for the inclusion of Crystal into my will. I also had him put in a clause for any children we may have to automatically be included.

“May I ask sir, why the sudden need to move. I mean your house is superb and I must admit, I am a bit confused about the rapidness of it. We just found you this house a year ago.” she spins in a circle looking around trying to figure it out. I can understand her perplexity. It is rather sudden. However, it is also necessary.