Epilogue
Autumn – Gunner
The summer heat had ended, and the leaves began to turn. Reds, oranges, and yellows highlighted the trees along the highway as we drove.
I didn’t want to come, but Dad said I needed to spend time outside the house. I was still hurting. I talked to Desiderio almost daily, but it wasn’t the same as having him in front of me.
Dad said we had to pick up an employee from the airport. I was angry that he forced me to come. He kept trying to strike up a conversation, but I ignored him.
My heart sank when I saw it from the top of a steep hill. I never wanted to see another plane. After one took me away from the boy I love, I wouldn’t allow myself to fly anywhere else, only to get hurt again.
Dad pulled into the line and gave a ticket to the attendant. The man walked to a phone on the wall and began talking to someone.
“So,” I sighed, “What’s this new employee like?”
He smiled. “He’s a hard worker. His family has fallen on tough times, and he jumped at the opportunity to work with the company. Also, he is handsome. I have a feeling you will like him.”
I scoffed. “Oh, please. Unless it’s…”
My eyes widened as my entire body began to shake. I opened the door and covered my mouth with my hands.
“Oh my God… Desiderio?”
He dropped his bags and held his arms open. I ran to him and jumped into them. He spun me a few times before setting me down.
“How… why… What’s going on?”
“Oh, Gunner, this is the new employee I told you about.”
I began shaking my head in confusion.
“But, wait… What about your parents?”
He smiled as he called them. Their faces came through the video. They waved and smiled as they shouted hello.
His mom blew a kiss. “So good to see you again, Gunner.”
“You, too! This is so surreal!”
“Happy?” Dad asked.
“Yes, but he takes care of them… How will they get food and their medicine?”
His Dad held up a check. “Your Dad took care of everything.”
“So, does that mean…”
Desiderio lifted my chin and gently kissed me.
“It means we don’t have to be apart.”
I turned and ran into Dad, throwing my arms around him.
“Thank you.” I said as tears began to roll down my face.
“You’re welcome. Now, let’s get home.”
Home. It felt like it now that he was beside me. We put his bags in the trunk and started the drive back.
I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but I would enjoy every moment here in the present with the Cuban boy I love.