A New Home
Nancy watches as the terrain outside her traveling prison changes. The river she always loved to watch from her back porch weaves in and out of view the farther they get from her home. She has her final view of it as they turn down another road, one leading away from her river, winding around a mountain. They’re almost there.
Launa glances over at her passenger. “The kids are excited you’ll be staying with us.”
“I’m sure Trevor is more than happy to give up his room to an old lady,” she says bitterly. “One who apparently can’t survive on her own anymore.”
“Mom, please. You’ve had two falls in the last week. What if you hit your head or can’t reach a phone? You’re in that big house all by yourself.”
“You could stop by to check on me.”
“What about when you didn’t eat for three days because you didn’t feel well enough to go shopping or cook? By the way, you could call for groceries.”
“I like to pick things out myself. Besides, those confounded services don’t deliver way out here.”
“No, but I do.” Luana looks at her mother, pouring all her love and concern into that moment.
“I know you care,” Nancy says, patting her daughter’s hand. “So, you can bring me a few things now and then. I see no reason to uproot my life.”
Luana sighs. “You’ll be with family. Besides, you’re not going far from home.”
“Oh? When will I see my home again?”
Luana sighs. “I can take you once a week. How about that?”
Nancy scoffs. “You didn’t visit every week when I was living there. The mother you’re so worried about now. Too busy to be bothered. Have you suddenly inherited a wealth of free time?”
“Alright,” Luana says, frustrated now. “Trev and Shanna have a lot of activities that keep us busy. Another reason it’s best for you to move in with us.”
“Best for whom?”
“You’ll have company now, and you’ll still get time alone when we’re out. No need to cook or clean.” Luana continues, more for her own comfort than her mother’s. “Well, maybe cook when the kids have events, but I could order you food, if you want.” She looks over to see her mother sigh, staring out the window. “I’ll make sure you get back to your house. If not every week, maybe every other.”
Nancy doesn’t reply. She wasn’t involved in this decision, other than being informed of what was happening. Never would she have chosen to live with her children when she could still live on her own. She wouldn’t choose to displace her grandson and claim his room for her own. Yes, there have been accidents, but this is a move of convenience for Luana. Only Luana.
The SUV turns down another dirt road, the driveway, and stops.
“Just grabbing the mail,” Luana says as she hops out.
This it, Nancy thinks. The final stretch. Once they reach the house, her things will be carried inside and deposited into a room with blue walls. Her most treasured belongings will be mixed with walls decorated with sports decals. Her clothing stored in a dresser covered with animated superhero stickers.
Nancy continues to look out the window. At least it’s beautiful here, she thinks, admiring the woods that surround the property for miles. She could step out of this oversized vehicle now. Disappear into the trees and ferns.
Luana climbs back into the driver’s seat and they continue their journey. Dirt kicks into the air behind them. Up ahead, the house comes into view.
It’s lovely, Nancy reluctantly admits to herself.
Trevor and Shanna run out to greet them, clearly excited about the new roommate. The SUV is barely stopped when the passenger side door whips open.
“Noni!” Trevor shouts, his genuine, six-year-old smile shining brighter than the sun.
“Hello my darlings!” Nancy says. At the very least, she does not need to feign excitement at seeing her grandchildren. She scoots out of the car, Luana pressing her way past Trevor to offer a hand. “I can do it myself,” Nancy insists. Feet firmly on the ground, she throws open her arms and pulls the kids in.
“You get the bestest room in our whole house!” Trevor says. “My bed is in Shanna’s room. Mommy said you have one. I left my baseball lamp for you.”
“That was very sweet of you.”
“Shanna and I share now. It’s like a camp out every night!”
“I’m sure that’s how Shanna feels, too.” Nancy looks at her granddaughter, knowing the twelve-year-old girl would appreciate privacy and a space to escape her younger, always energized brother.
“It’s fine, Noni. We’re really happy to have you here. Makes up for sharing with this one,” she says, nudging Trevor.
“Come on,” Luana says as the trunk opens. “Let’s bring Noni’s things inside so she can get settled.”
Trevor runs to help. Shanna watches her grandmother. “Do you need help?” she says.
“I’ll be fine, thank you,” Nancy says, proudly. As the others gather her personal items in their arms, she takes in the world surrounding the house. The yard is lush and green, stretching out, morphing into an overgrown meadow full of wildflowers. From the far end of the meadow, ancient trees watch over the property, peaceful giants whose own family stretches far beyond this small piece of land. It really is lovely.
