Chapter 24
Miles
Wednesday
Today was the day for receiving food donations at the CIC.
I stood beside Miss Amara, sorting through piles of donated food, carefully separating rice, fruits, and vegetables into different boxes.
The tables were cluttered with bags of flour, cans of beans, and boxes of pasta, each item waiting to be organized before being sent to the kitchen.
We had been there for over an hour now, working in our rhythm. I found a certain peace in our shared, quiet work.
“It’s my wedding ring and my engagement ring.” Miss Amara noticed I was looking at it when she placed another packet of rice in front of me. Two rings placed together on her left hand. “Everett,” she whispered.
It was the first time I saw Miss Amara carry some sadness in her eyes.
“For how long were you two married?” I asked.
Her lips lifted in a soft smile. “We were married for 42 years. And we were the happiest.” I stopped organizing the vegetable box to pay attention to her words.
“He loved how I talked endlessly, and I loved the way I understood his silence. We were so different. But I was so happy with him.” She paused. “He was my best friend.”
We stood in a few seconds of silence.
I was imagining the radiant Miss Amara next to a man who made her even more radiant. And she was perhaps recalling memories of those long years.
“I hope to one day have someone with whom I can be my happiest,” I broke the silence, and Miss Amara looked into my eyes.
“Oh, honey, you will,” she asserted. “And you know what they say: when you find her, offer her a ring, and never let her go.” She lifted her hand, with a grinning face, showing me her rings.
We returned to our vegetables just as Ella walked through the door carrying a cardboard box and laughing to herself.
“I’ve just saved some of these,” she said. “It all fell on the floor.” Ella shook her head, still laughing. “It was not my best move.”
“What fell?”
“I just…” She started but couldn’t answer. Her laughter wouldn’t allow her. “Can’t explain,” she said, in her adorable way of not being able to stop herself from writhing with giggles. “I placed the box on the roof of the car, forgot it was there, and just… drove off.”
Whoever looked at her would tell it was infectious. I couldn’t help but laugh along too.
Yeah.
I am so happy with her.