more closely,” she assures quickly. “She’s in good hands here, Piper. I promise we’re taking care of her.”
I know they are, but that doesn’t lessen the anxiety building in the pit of my stomach. “I just don’t know how I’ll handle it if there comes a day where I have to see feeding tubes in her because she doesn’t know how to eat by herself. I read that some people starve themselves to death because they don’t know how to live.”
“Hey.” Her hand squeezes mine tightly, drawing me out of my mind. “We are not going to let that happen. We have patients here who are far worse off than Mable, and they’re still doing fine. And even if it comes to a feeding tube, at least she’ll still be alive.”
I close my eyes knowing she’s right. “I’m sorry for freaking out. I’ve just been having a hard time lately and things are finally working out for me. But then there’s Mable…”
“You shouldn’t compare your situations. Mable may be struggling but she’s happy, Piper. We both know she wants that for you too, so don’t worry about her. That’s our job. Enjoy your life and all the little things. Leave the rest for us, we can handle it. Can you do that for me?”
I give her a small smile. “I can try.”
She pats my hand and stands. “That’s all I can ask then. You’re doing well, though? I know the last few times you were here you seemed a little upset, but there’s something in your eyes that makes me think it’s better.”
My cheeks heat. “I’m doing better than I have in a long time.”
A knowing smile graces her face. “It’s a boy, isn’t it? I know that look. I’ve had it on my face too.”
The blush deepens. “Yeah, it’s a boy.”
“Good for you, sweetie. I’ve watched you dedicate yourself to Mable and her granddaughter and hoped you’d find somebody to share your time with. Is he good to you?”
My throat thickens as I look up at her, lips wavering as I think about him. “Even better. He’s good to both of us.”
Her eyes warm. “I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you.”
She gives me one last look before walking back into the building, leaving me with Mable as she focuses on her garden. Dirt coats her light purple pants and the beige gloves on her hands. She seems to be content in the dirt and mulch, surrounded by life. Just watching her eases an anxiety in my chest even though this woman isn’t the same one who could bake the best cookies from memory alone. She never looked at recipes once or even measured the ingredients. She’d just pour everything into a bowl and the outcome would be the same every time.
“Muscle memory, dear,” she told me once. I always told her I wish I had that ability, but no matter how much she tried teaching me her favorite recipes I’d always mess them up. Danny never did though. He was a natural, just like his grandmother.
Thinking about him no longer hurts. Not the good memories anyway. Even on the off moments I think about our last night, I refuse to let it pierce my heart. We made a choice that can’t be taken back. There were consequences that can’t be changed. He couldn’t move on.
But I can.
Standing up, I hesitantly walk over to Mable and put my hands in the big pocket of the sweatshirt I stole from Easton this morning. “Hi, Mable. I know you don’t remember me, but I just wanted to say it was good seeing you. And…” I take a deep breath and watch her pat down the dirt around her freshly planted flower. “I’ve been thinking a lot about Danny, who you probably don’t remember either, but he was a great guy. Somebody we both cared for deeply. Anyway, I’ve been thinking a lot about the past and everything that’s happened between us, and I think I finally found peace. Happiness, even. I know you’ve told me that I’d find it with somebody someday, but I never believed you because I was too caught up in Danny, but you were right. I just wanted you to know.”
I lick my lips and watch her hands pause from her project before looking up at me slowly, the brimmed hat she wears shielding her eyes from the sun we’re graced with today. “I know, dear. You two were always meant to love other people.”