Page 43 of Tell It To The Waves

Throwing her arm over the back of the sofa, Bay squints at me. “So.”

Cocking my head, “A few months and I’m gone.” I say confidently, trying to make myself believe the lie I’m telling.

“Whelp.” Bay takes a sip of her coffee. “I will not look a gift horse in its mouth.”

My forehead raises at her, saying, “Okay. Whatever that means.”

Bay taps my leg. “Eat dinner here tonight?”

“Depends on what you’re cooking,” I say jokingly.

Biting on the straw, “Your favorite, Shepherd's Pie.”

My mouth waters just by her words. “You got me.”

Dinner was the best I had in a long time. Laughing and talking with Baylee and Kai gave me what I needed after everything the night before, and my items from the Victorian house were delivered to the cottage, which is the icing on the cake. Kai hates me; he just won’t say it because he knows Bay will elbow his ass in the ribs.

Kai told me it would be okay to stay at the cottage, as long as I don’t go into the bedroom or bathroom. Also, there’s no water at the moment. But I’ll take that any day over having to walk seven flights of stairs. Porta potty and bottled water to brush my teeth it is.

“We start early every morning, August. Just so you know,” Kai informs me as I’m on my way out to head to the cottage, with a container of Shepards Pie in hand.

“I won’t be in the way.” I hold up my hand before calling for Luna, who’s been MIA this whole time, exploring the big old house.

She runs from under Bay’s sofa. “What’s in her mouth?” Kai asks.

And before I can say anything, I spot the mouse hanging from Luna’s mouth. “Well, she got your mouse.” I laugh.

Baylee gags. “Get it, Kai. Oh my god, I’m going to be sick.”

It’s a fight with Kai and Luna, but he manages to get the dead mouse out of her mouth, and she’s pissed and hissing at him. “Sorry.” I widen my eyes. This place is already bringing out a different Luna.

Darkness greets me when I pull up to the cottage; not even the porch light is on. The waves sing me their lullaby as I make my way to the front door, their own personal welcome home. And I can’t help the smile that overtakes my face.

The house smells of dirt and wood. It’s a weird mixture.

Turning on the lights, there is a small amount of dust covering every surface I come to. “Nice.” Knowing I’ll have to get it cleaned up tonight, or I’ll wake up unable to breathe.

Leaving Luna in the car as I make trips back and forth, unloading. “I’m too old for this,” I tell no one. Letting the last tote drop to the floor, breathing heavily and sweating.

Finding Luna’s automatic feeder and water dispenser, I set it up before I bring her inside, dropping some toys in random places. Hoping she transitions well.

“Okay, this might be our new home. We’re going to try it out for a bit,” I coo at her, picking her out of the crate and placing her on the floor. She sniffs and is unsure. I give Luna space as I wipe down the counters and everything else that I can see the fine dust on.

Opening the fridge, I have one bottle of water to get me through the night and nothing else besides Baylee’s Shepherd's Pie.

With a tug, I yank the sliding glass door open, allowing the ocean breeze to come in and help with the smell.

I can see the moon reflecting off the water from the door, and I smile. Loving the view.

Going to my old room, I walk in, remembering the bed is gone before I even turn on the light. “Nice.” Padding down thehallway to the storage door, I find what I’m looking for: the ancient blow-up mattress we used to use.

Luna freaks out when I turn the blower on, blowing the mattress up before throwing my mom’s quilt on it. Frowning when I realize I don’t have a pillow.

Maneuvering out of my clothes, I replace them with some comfy sleep shorts and a T-shirt before grabbing my bottle of water and making my way out to the deck. Barefooted, my legs lead me down the staircase and to the sand, which cushions my steps.

Stopping at the water's edge, the vast ocean greets me. “I don’t know what I’m doing here, Mom,” I tell the waves, giving them my burden. One thing about the ocean: it’ll take what you give it, no matter what it is, and keep it forever.

Walking in a little, I let the water move over my feet. “I yearned for this place for so long. I want to be here, but I don’t know if I can because of Bohdi.” Tears fall from my eyes, rolling down my cheeks. Tears for the uncertainty, the excitement of being back here, and the fear that courses through me. “I miss you two so much.” Just then, out of nowhere, a small shore break washes over my feet and to my knees. I stand there motionless, not knowing if that was them or just the ocean itself. But wanting to believe it was them.