Her short red hair is sticking up into brittle peaks, appearing as if she gave up mid-brush.
“Hey,” she softly says, wringing her hands nervously.
Once I find my voice, I put my game face on. “Hey. Your dress is really pretty.”
She smiles, a smidge of color tinting her cheeks. The sight gives me an idea…but can I? Would Georgia be disappointed in me?
“I won’t be mad, Lola. It’s time to let go.”
We hold items because we want to remember, but how can I forget someone who gave me so much to remember them by?
Unfastening the bandana, I toy with the material, recalling the strength it gave me. It’s now time to lend that strength to Sadie. I may not be able to save her, but I can hold her hand while trying.
“Georgia…” My profound voice hushes the hallway. “Well, she gave this to me. It was her favorite thing. She would never sit through a treatment without it. She never gave me a reason for why it meant so much to her, but I guess there doesn’t have to be one. We find comfort because sometimes, we just need it. I can’t tell you how many times this has provided that for me.” I turn the bandana over in my fingers.
“But I…I don’t need it anymore. I’ve found my comfort in being your friend.” Tears roll down my cheeks, matching the ones streaming down Sadie’s cheeks.
“Georgia would have wanted me to pass this on to someone who needed it more than me. I can never bring her back, but I can share who she was with you. With the world. And let me tell you, she was unbelievable.”
I silently ask for permission.
She nods, her large eyes drowning. With the utmost care, I tie the bandana around her head, adjusting it like a headband, just how my Georgia did.
“You did good, kiddo.” I snuffle out a laugh. She used to call me that when playing the big sister role.
“Thanks, G,” I say aloud, uncaring that I’m talking to the voice inside my head.
“I love you, Lola.” I know this will be the last time she speaks to me. I held on to her because I needed her strength, but it’s now time I be somebody else’s.
“Just one more episode,” Sadie says with a yawn, rubbing her heavy eyes.
“Not a chance, kiddo. Time for bed.” I gently climb from the sofa. Our day was spent enjoying the sunshine before we came back to the living room and binged on Netflix.
Roman texted me throughout the day. I can’t stop my smile when recalling his message.
You really shouldn’t have, but thank you.
Just as I was about to reply, a second text came through.
P.S. Hut! Hut! Hike? Really? :P Wrong sport.
My absolute zero knowledge of sports shined through. So much for being clever.
It still has a ball with players in ridiculously tight pants, right? What’s the difference? Tomayto, tomahto.
There is a huge difference. Baseball encompasses skill. NFL encompasses concussions.
From what I understood, that’s true, but I wouldn’t know firsthand.
Bending, I tuck a blanket around Sadie, smiling when I see the bandana securely in her hair. “Sweet dreams,” I whisper, not wishing to wake the handful of kids who have passed out around us.
“Night,” she replies, settling into the couch cushion. “Thank you.”
She catches me off guard. “Thank you?”
She nods. “Thank you for being a reason I can smile again. Back home, I forgot what it felt like. I guess that’s because there wasn’t a reason to. But that’s changed, thanks to you.”
My mouth falls open, and my heart swells. This tiny girl is a godsend and so much more. Sitting on the edge of the sofa, I stroke her cheek with the back of my hand. “Thank you for giving me a reason to make somebody smile again.”
Roman instantly comes to mind as he said something similar what feels like a lifetime ago.
“Sisters?” She extends her tiny hand.
I fist bump her with pride. “For life.”
“Good night, Lola.” Sadie buries herself under the blanket, her eyes slipping shut.
“Good night, Sadie.” When her breathing grows shallow, I whisper. “I love you.”
I tiptoe through the room, and the moment I reach the doorway, I freeze, tears stinging my eyes.
“I love you, too.” She loves me, and it feels so good to be loved.
The dimmed corridor lights indicate it’s past eleven, so there isn’t much to do at this hour, but I suppose I could watch a movie and hope I fall asleep. But the thought of sleeping in my