The Problem with Falling (Problems #3)

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

Harry

“ E ver heard of knocking?” I asked from where I sat in my recliner, staring at Theo after he came bursting into the house. Molly and I never locked our front door, and people came bursting in all the time. I told her we should change the habit of unlocked doors to avoid people bursting in, but she said that was her favorite thing. “You never know who’s coming in.”

That was my exact issue with it—you never knew who was coming. Sometimes I just wanted to walk around in my boxers with freedom. Well, roll around nowadays. That damn wheelchair was pissing me off.

I hated it.

I hated it more and more each day.

Molly did her best to help me into it multiple times a day, but my lady was petite. I knew it was a struggle with her needing to help me up and down nonstop. Sometimes when I needed to get up, I just stayed down because I didn’t want to bother her.

She would’ve said it wasn’t a problem.

If the roles were reversed, I would’ve said the same thing to her.

“Why was the ambulance here?” Theo asked, his voice covered with concern. “Actually, I already know. Ralph and Stacy told me.”

“What happened to privacy?” I murmured, waving a hand toward my grandson. “It was all a misunderstanding. Your grandmother called because she was overreacting.”

“Harold Cole, watch your tongue,” Molly scolded. “You were on the floor for a long time.”

“But I was fine,” I replied. “I got up.”

“With their help,” Molly said before turning toward Theo. “Your grandfather thought it would be wise to try to take a shower. He slipped and fell. Could’ve easily broken a hip.”

“What the hell were you thinking?” Theo asked with a parental tone.

My stomach knotted up instantly and so did my mood. I scrunched up my nose and narrowed my eyes. “Who do you think you’re speaking to like that, boy? Don’t forget who raised you. You can’t come in here scolding me like I’m a child.”

Theo’s eyes, which matched Molly’s, softened as he stared at me. He ran his hands through his hair before resting his palms on the top of his head. “Sorry, PaPa. I was just worried.”

“Well, don’t worry about me. I’m fine,” I replied.

The words left my mouth, but I hardly believed them.

When I fell, I bruised myself pretty badly. It hurt more than ever before.

I felt ashamed.

Embarrassed that Molly had to find me in that position.

People said getting older was a gift, but most days, as of late, it felt like a curse. I hated everything about it. I hated that I couldn’t go fishing. I hated that I couldn’t drive. I hated that I couldn’t take a damn shower without needing assistance. It was as if I was transforming back into an infant, needing people to cater to me every step of the way. It felt dehumanizing in so many ways.

I used to play all sports. Football. Baseball. Basketball. My joints never used to crack whenever I walked. I used to be able to stand on my own and not fall. I used to take care of everyone, not have everyone take care of me.

I used to be strong.

Now, I was pissed off.

I was angry.

I was sad.

Theo and Molly both stared at me with so much care and love in their eyes, but all I saw was pity. The last thing I ever wanted was for someone to pity me even though I didn’t feel well. I was tired. I ached. Everything hurt—my body, my mind, my heart. Everything was so painfully exhausting.

“S-sorry, PaPa,” Theo said, his voice stuttering slightly. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I was just concerned.”

I nodded once. “I get it. I’m fine, though.” But I wasn’t. I hadn’t been fine in a long time. Some days, I couldn’t even look at my Molly because it felt as if each passing second was the last remaining moment I’d have to look her way. And that thought shattered every piece of me. I still stood by what I said to her sixty years ago on our wedding day. I wanted forever with Molly Ruth Langford. Even that didn’t feel long enough.

My eyes found Molly’s, and an instant calmness filled me. I didn’t know a woman’s eyes could bring so much peace until I looked into hers.

I wasn’t as pissed off.

I wasn’t as angry.

I was still sad but loved.

That made it easier.

She moved over to me and took my hand in hers. Her touches. Molly and her touches.

“I think when people love each other so much, it’s normal to worry. But if it were serious, we would’ve reached out, Theo. I promise,” Molly said. Her voice was always so gentle and caring. Though, even if I wasn’t okay, I wouldn’t want to reach out. I didn’t want to worry people. Molly was the opposite. She wanted everyone to be in the loop of things going on.

“Where did you run into Stacy and Ralph?” Molly asked our grandson.

“They stopped by my place for Willow,” Theo said.

Both Molly’s and my eyes widened.

“What happened? Is she all right?” I questioned, alert. “Why didn’t you lead with that?”

Theo smirked and shrugged. “I must take after my grandfather, and I didn’t want to worry people.”

“Touché, you little shit,” I replied.

“Is Willow all right?” Molly questioned.

“She’s fine. She had an accidental crossing with Matt Turner and his baked goods.”

“Ohh. She got too high.” Molly nodded, knowing Matt’s baked goods very well herself. We grew up with Matt’s grandfather, Frank. Those brownies must’ve been a family recipe because when we were young, we used to be high as kites in the middle of the woods, dancing under the moon near some dirt roads.

“Speaking of… I should get back to check on her. I just needed to make sure you were okay, PaPa. Now I have to go check on that grown adult who’s really an annoying child that needs to be looked after,” Theo said, grimacing.

Well, I’ll be.

He liked her.

He didn’t say the words. He actually said the exact opposite of the words, but I saw it in his eyes. He was worried about her.

Theodore was tough on the outside—a defense mechanism. But beneath the surface? He was a gentle giant who cared more than he’d ever reveal. He was a little too much like me, that was clear.

“Tell her we said hi,” Molly said, moving over to kiss Theo’s cheek. “And take her some sweets from my cabinet to help her sober up.”

“She’s fine. I already gave her all the cookies you gave me,” Theo stated with the deepest look of annoyance before he turned to walk away. “Good night, you two. See you tomorrow. Call me if an ambulance stops by,” he remarked sarcastically before going through the front door and shutting it behind him.

Molly turned to me with a knowing grin on her face. She looked like a child on Christmas morning, standing under the sparkling, colorful tree lights. “Did you hear that? He gave her all his cookies.”

“That’s a big deal. He hasn’t shared one of your baked goods with anyone since he was five years old.”

“He likes her,” she said with a smirk of pleasure. “It’s not shocking, though. Willow is easily likable.”

“Just like you, my sweets,” I mentioned, feeling any annoyance or worry I had fading away. “Just like you.”

She walked over to me and bent down to kiss my forehead.

And just like that, with one forehead kiss, I was in my twenties again, falling in love.

Life was hard and getting old was harder. There was no getting around that fact.

But it was easier with her.