Prologue
The door creaks open as my mother steps into the apartment we cherish as home. Her hair, once neatly tied in a bun this morning, now cascades down her shoulders in soft waves of white blonde and gray. The nurse scrubs she wears are crumpled from a long day at the local clinic. Yet, her weary crystal blue eyes sparkle with joy as she spots my little sister rushing toward her, with me trailing closely behind.
After setting her bags down, she opens her arms wide in greeting. We come together in a warm hug, planting kisses on each other’s cheeks.
My mom cradles my sister, who is a spitting image of her at just five years old. I take her bags and place them neatly on the kitchen counter.
Every night, just like clockwork, Mom switches on the vintage radio that Dad worked so hard to buy. The moment she does, melodies flood the room from the speakers.
As the rhythm fills the air, Mom gracefully spins through the spacious apartment. Ellie bursts into giggles, captivated by her mother’s dance, a reminder of the elegant ballerina she once was, though those dreams have faded into the past.
As the door creaks open, the man’s heavy footsteps come to a standstill. Even though he witnesses his wife’s nightly performances, he remains entranced.
My father’s face is smudged with grime, concealing his fair complexion. His medium black stubble is just how my mom prefers it. Although his hair is a bit longer than he would like and is also dirty, along with his clothes, boots, and the exposed skin from his subway work, his bright green eyes still sparkle with life.
Mom laughs joyfully as she bounds over to him, his arms wide open in anticipation. They lean in for a passionate kiss, but their moment is interrupted by the unmistakable sounds of their two kids being playing sick.
With a fierce glare, Mom turns from Dad, who is chuckling away. “Just wait until you two meet someone who makes you love them more than life itself; you won’t be throwing up then.”
Ellie ewes. “Boys have cooties!”
"I’m hoping that’s something I won’t have to think about until I’m older; right now, I just want to have fun!" I grin and give my eyebrows a little wiggle for effect.
"There was a time when I was just like you, my boy, but everything shifted when I encountered the most gorgeous woman ever. I won her over, and we were blessed with two little rascals." Dad kisses Mom gently on the temple.
“Sweetheart, we need to hurry if we plan to return before 10. It’s nearly 8 already.” Mom gently tugs Dad toward their bedroom.
Knowing that it’s time for their monthly date night, I take it upon myself to entertain Ellie. I pull out some paper and crayons, inviting her to join me at the table for a drawing challenge. Ellie can’t help but giggle as she makes her colorful marks. With a gray crayon in hand, I begin to illustrate a realistic shark.
Just as we were getting into the groove, Mom and Dad strolled into the kitchen. Mom’s curly hair bounced with every step, and her only makeup was a touch of black eyeliner and mascara that highlighted her striking crystal blue eyes. She sported black tights paired with a dark blue tank top, layered with a cozy cardigan, and completed the look with black flats.
Dad is dressed in his favorite jeans paired with his sturdy boots and a gray T-shirt. His curly black hair is tousled, and he still has his stubble. Mom would definitely be upset if he decided to shave it off.
Mom and Dad plant kisses on our cheeks and wrap us in warm hugs. “Make sure you don’t stay up too late. Theo, you’re in charge of getting Ellie bathed and tucked in. We’ll return by 10.”
I usher them out the door, fully aware that they’ve been looking forward to this night all week. “No need to stress. Enjoy yourselves. Love you!”
“We adore you!” Mom and Dad beam as they descend the stairs.
As I shut the door, I let out a playful roar and dash after Ellie. “The Bath Monster has arrived!”
Before she can run away, I grab her and throw her over my shoulder. She giggles as I turn on the water, putting the plug in, I pure in bubbles in.
Just as she’s about to escape, I scoop her up and toss her over my shoulder. She bursts into laughter while I turn on the water, plug the drain, and add a generous amount of bubbles. With her still perched on my shoulder, I dash to our shared room to grab her Spongebob pajamas and underwear.
Returning to the bathroom, I switch off the water and help her out of her clothes. She joyfully jumps into the tub, splashing in the bubbles as I lather her hair and scrub behind her ears.
Once she’s all fresh and clean, I grab a towel and let the water drain as she stands there. I wrap the towel around her, gently drying her off before slipping her into her pajamas. After towel-drying her hair, I give it a quick brush. As Ellie yawns, I scoop her up and carry her to our room, placing her snugly in her bed.
Since I know she loves it when we match in our PJs, I grab my Spongebob pajamas and boxers, then make my way to the bathroom to get changed.
In my cozy PJs, I return to our room. Ellie catches sight of my outfit and can’t help but grin. I tuck her in and give her a soft kiss on the forehead, then turn off the lights and head to my bed. I grab the second installment of the Unwind series along with my book light, then crawl under the covers, making sure not to disturb Ellie.
About an hour later, my phone buzzes to life. I switch off the book light and pull back the covers, reaching for my phone. With a gentle swipe of the green button, I whisper a soft hello.
“Am I speaking to Theo Auburns?” came a voice I didn’t recognize from the other side of the line.
“Yes.”
“Mr. Auburns, a collision has occurred. Please make your way to Kindred Hospital immediately,” the woman states firmly.
Sensing the urgency in her voice and wanting to avoid any arguments, I quickly hung up the phone. I turned to wake Ellie, knowing there was no time to change. I grabbed our shoes and light jackets to prepare for the rain.
A drowsy Ellie struggles to grasp the situation unfolding around her. As I slip into my shoes and jacket, I help her do the same. I scoop her up, quickly grab my phone, wallet, and house keys, and dash out of the apartment. I work hard to keep my anxiety at bay, not wanting to alarm Ellie.
I sprint a few blocks until I spot a taxi and wave it over. Once inside, I exhale the name of the hospital. The ride takes about ten minutes, but my mind is consumed with anxious thoughts about my parents. After paying the driver, I gently pull a now-awake Ellie from the cab.
I dash alongside her to the desk, providing my parents’ names and explaining how I’m related to them. After receiving the floor number, I sprint to the elevator and hit the correct button. It seems like the elevator barely ascends, and it feels like an eternity before the doors finally slide open.
The woman hurried from the desk and blocks our path and informs me that the doctors would come out as soon as they were able, urging us to wait in the designated area. Trembling, I took Ellie’s hand and led her to the seats. I sank into a chair, bringing my baby sister onto my lap.
“Teddy, why are we here? Mommy and Daddy will be back soon,” Ellie murmurs softly.
“Baby, Mommy and Daddy are hurt, and we need to stay here to see if they’re alright,” I reply, my voice trembling with anxiety. Her little body presses against me tighter, and I wrap my arms around her, seeking comfort for both of us.
No more questions escape her lips. We remain in a state of suspense for an indeterminate amount of time until a doctor appears from behind the double doors.
“Anson and Kenna Auburns!” he exclaims. The moment he lays eyes on the 18-year-old and the 5-year-old, his demeanor becomes grave.
An unexpected hesitation grips me, making me wish to avoid his words altogether. My legs quiver as I move toward him, Ellie standing firmly at my side.
“Theo and Ellie Auburns,” I say in a hushed tone.
"I’m truly sorry to inform you that both of your parents have passed away. Their injuries were overwhelming." Before he finishes his sentence, I fall to my knees, holding my little sister close.
With those words, everything we knew changed.
…
