“Of course you can,” I assert, presenting the wolf to him and showering him with affectionate gestures. “I love you, K-Bray.” You are my closest friend, and I will never allow someone to harm you.
The young child succumbs to the wolf’s caresses and permits his mother to bathe and dress him, however his dream persists in my thoughts.
Mother enveloped in crimson water… Who was this wolf tormenting my son’s nightmares, and why was Ricky stained in blood?
I have little opportunity to reflect on the dream as the three of us down the stairs for breakfast, where we discover Melina already diligently working at the stove. The aroma of freshly prepared pancakes, eggs, bacon, and potatoes permeates the air, eliciting a salivary response from my tongue. Bray promptly greets Melina by tapping her leg to capture her attention and waving hello.
She acknowledges us all, our gazes intersecting momentarily. Her gentle visage reflects anxiety and sorrow as she hastily prepares a dish for each of us, revealing her intent to be of service to me. Her hands quiver as she places a dish before me, remorse enveloping my heart for my frigid demeanour towards her the previous night.
“I prepared your preferred dish,” she gestures nervously. “I understand you may no longer require my assistance now that she has returned, but I simply wished to-”
I prevent her from signing any further absurdities, drawing her into a firm embrace. Initially, she remains rigid, uncertain of her entitlement to touch me following the previous night; yet, when I do not withdraw, she ultimately encircles my waist with her arms. Tears mark my shirt as she allows her anguish to flow down her face, and I merely embrace her more firmly.
Bray enquires about Melina’s tears, but Ricky promptly escorts him away and arranges our breakfast on the balcony to afford Melina and me some peace. As I withdraw, Melina hurriedly dabs her tears and reiterates her explanation.
I acknowledge that I am unworthy of your forgiveness, however I never intended to cause you harm. “I was unable to disclose the truth regarding my arrival at Scarlett Haven,” she implores. “I request your forgiveness; however, if it is unattainable, I comprehend.”
“I do not harbour any anger towards you,” I respond candidly. I now understand that you were merely acting in accordance with your perception of what was best. I am the one who ought to express gratitude for your years of care. You were profoundly shattered, yet you opted to care for the son of the man who murdered your kid. You elected to become my family while I was devoid of any familial support. “My mother may be alive, but her existence cannot diminish the love you bestowed upon me,” I sign, tears welling in Melina’s eyes once more. “You were the one who grasped my hand during my initial shift, you who protected me with your body during an assault, you who tended to my injuries after a gruelling day of work, you who instructed me on how to articulate when I lacked the ability to do so.” I cherish you, Mother. I shall perpetually cherish you.
She strives to suppress her tears, yet her emotions overwhelm her, leading her to weep into her hands, her body easing with the reassurance that I still regard her as my mother. I envelop her in my embrace, protecting her from the world as she weeps.
After she has expressed all her emotions, I guide her to the patio where we discover Ricky and Bray bent over a section of grass.
“What is the number of spots you observe?” “Let us enumerate them,” Ricky whispers, indicating three ladybirds traversing blades of grass. “One spot, two spots, three spots…”
Ricky’s voice diminishes as we all perceive the sound of gentle footsteps approaching us. Quinn cautiously descends the walkway, a tiny tray covered in tinfoil seen in her hands as she advances. She places the tray on the patio table and grins apprehensively at us.
“Good morning,” she articulates and gestures to us, leaving me astonished that she possesses the ability to sign. I observed you all having breakfast outdoors. I intended to accompany you, unless you have reconsidered your decision to share a meal with me. “I can depart if it is overwhelming at the moment,” she conveys using sign language while speaking.
I am utterly speechless as I gaze at my mother, still astonished that after all these years, she remains alive and present. Fortunately, Bray alleviates the uncomfortable stillness with his inquisitive nature and gestures towards the tray on the table.
“What is that?” He enquires, offering Quinn a playful smile while fluttering his thick eyelashes at her.
She smiles and unwraps the tin foil to disclose freshly baked coffee cake, prompting an involuntary gasp as a multitude of memories rush back to me.
“I prepared coffee cake,” she elucidates, presenting Bray with the delectable confections. “I cannot recall whether I appreciated it previously, but it is my preferred breakfast indulgence now,” she remarks nonchalantly.
“You cherished coffee cake,” I stammer and gesture, averting my gaze to conceal the anguish within me, aware that she has forgotten all the coffee cake we ever had during her visits to my confinement. “You previously adorned the cakes with cheerful faces using cinnamon and icing, as they elicited laughter from me.”
“Oh,” Quinn murmurs, gazing at the small coffee cake slices she has adorned with icing and cinnamon smiles. “I did not… I apologize.”
“Do not be!” I shake my head at her, causing Quinn to jump slightly from the passion in my tone. “I am pleased you arrived.” Take a seat. I will serve you.
I hurriedly entered the home to retrieve another plate of food, feeling elated to have both of my mothers, my partner, and my son with me for breakfast.
Upon my return with the lunch, I observe Quinn seated beside Melina, both engrossed in discussion.
“You remain his mother,” Quinn elucidates to her. “If it is acceptable to you, I would appreciate the chance to become acquainted with the man you have nurtured.”
“He frequently spoke of you,” Melina responds hesitantly.
“I can merely wish they were positive outcomes,” Quinn smiles at her.
“He held you in great affection,” Melina replies. “At times, it was challenging to measure up to a specter…”
