Chapter 169
Tilda
I’ve stayed silent.
The whole flight. The landing. While Ethan got the rental car.
I’ve stayed silent.
Since we left the ground. Since Ethan said he loved me. Since I’ll show you how much I love you too.
I know he saw me wiping at my cheeks.
And even though I have a thousand questions, I’m grateful he didn’t say more.
Didn’t spend the flight trying to convince me of anything.
He just flew.
Only breaking the silence at the end. When he reminded me to relax. To breathe. As we landed smoothly.
The sunglasses are still covering my eyes, and I turn my head just a little to see him in the driver’s seat.
I wanted to tell him to stay at the airport, that I could drive myself. But I couldn’t bring myself to speak.
I want his love to be true.
I want it to be true so badly.
But I don’t trust myself to be smart right now.
So, I let him drive.
The car slows to a stop.
We’re here.
Ethan turns off the engine, and we both climb out.
He hasn’t asked me anything about who I’m seeing. But now that we’ve arrived, a new stress starts brewing inside me.
I’ve never visited anyone at the end of their life. I don’t know how to do this.
Ethan waits for me on the sidewalk in front of the car, in the small visitor’s parking lot.
Signs point in different directions, labeled with numbers.
When we got in the rental, I copied the address Stephen had given me, building number included, and texted it to Ethan, so he could use his phone to navigate.
Without touching me, he holds out his hand, gesturing to the path that leads to building nineteen.
Anxiety is freely flowing through my veins when we reach Stephen’s building. And I stand still before the door.
This place is a community of small homes. Almost tiny. But not quite.
There are flourishing gardens around the houses, with paved walking paths, weaving every which way, dotted with benches and shade.
It’s pretty.
Peaceful.
“Do you want me to come in with you?” Ethan’s voice is close beside me.
I stay facing forward, looking at the brightly painted cottage.
I want to say yes. I want to say it so badly.
But I shake my head.
And Ethan doesn’t press me.
Focusing on breathing, I climb the single step to the front door. And I knock.
A moment later, it swings in. And a man stands before me.
He’s tall. Thin. In tan shorts and a teal polo shirt. With bright white hair and a matching goatee that stands out against his dark complexion.
“What a beautiful rainbow princess.” His smile is wide as he takes me in. “You must be Matty.”
His voice… is not frail. There’s no sign of a cough. And when he holds his arms out for a hug and I accept, his hold is tight. Strong.
A real smile forms on my face for the first time all day. “And you must be Stephen. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He shakes his head. “The pleasure is all mine.” He steps back, holding the door open. “Please, come in.”