Page 77 of Beautiful Small Things

I wipe my hand down my face to catch the one tear that has escaped as I nod. “That sounds fair,” I agree.

Winter turned into Spring faster than I saw coming. Everything is thawing and brimming with new life. Small flowers are opening, vines are beginning their ascent up the old buildings, sunshine is bursting through the windows of the conservatory, and I still feel like an empty vessel.

I look at the clock and decide to see what Colby is doing. She answers excitedly on the second ring.

“James!”

“Hey, Colbs. What’s up?” I question.

“You’ll never guess what Iris is up to,” she screams.

“What?” I exclaim.

“She’s seriously a genius. She is already starting to read and solve floor puzzles. She’s not even two years old and could excel in Kindergarten today. It’s amazing!

“Really?” I question, although I’m not surprised. I’ve seen her work with blocks.

“Yes! Marcus doesn’t know yet. I can’t wait until he hears it.”

I wince at the mention of his name but refuse to show it. Colby is so excited about this development, as am I.

“Can I see her?” I ask nervously.

“Of course! Hang on.”

Colby exits the frame, and I hear noises indicating she stepped on something sharp and some crashing noises. I chuckle as she fumbles around behind the scenes. Finally, she sets Iris down in front of the phone, and I stare into her magically purple eyes.

She reaches for the phone, but Colby pulls it out of her reach. “Just say hello to James, Iris.”

Tears collect in the corners of my eyes, and her chubby hands reach for me. My heart nearly explodes as she smiles and clasps her hands as if trying to grab me and pull me toward her.

Then I hear it. It’s unmistakable and the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.

“Jem. Jem.” Drool slips out of the side of her mouth and down her cheek.

Colby and I scream in unison as Iris startles and gives her aunt a dirty look. We both clap and speak at the same time.

“Did you hear that?” we both say.

“Wait,” I say excitedly, “Did she just say ‘Jem’?”

Colby sweeps Iris up in her arms and beams at the screen. “She did! She loves you so much!”

She remembers me. My greatest fear was that she’d forget who I was and how much I love her.

“Jem!”

“AAHHHHHHH,” I scream again. “I miss you so much, Baby Girl. I love you.”

“James, are you OK?” Colby asks.

It’s then that I realize I’m bawling. Tears are making their way down my cheeks and dripping onto my collarbone.

“I want to come home,” I finally admit to my sister. “I gave it six months. It’s not where I want to be.”

She suddenly gets serious and places Iris on the floor before turning the phone back on herself.

“Then come home, Sister.”