When we return from the hospital that afternoon (without Mama) Papa is so exhausted he takes a shower and falls asleep until dinner. At 7pm Aunt Sarah orders Thai food and makes us sit down together even though nobody feels much like talking or eating.
“Well. This won’t do.” She says after a long silence. “I know we are all worried about your mom but the universe has provided us with many blessings as well. She’s safe. And I am so glad to have my two nieces and brother-in-law staying with me. And it’s not even Christmas!”
“Oh man. You sound just like Mama.” Eve says. “All that universe talk.”
“Well. Where do you think she got it from?” Aunt Sarah says. Her eyes twinkling.
“And at least we are not still in that cabin. Alone.” I shudder at the thought.
“That’s right.” Papa chimes in. “I am so glad you acted quickly and made the call to 911 Eve. It’s a blessing you were able to get through to help so quickly. Even on the mountain.”
“Are you serious?” Eve’s eyes are wide and wild. “Oh so you mean like counting it a blessing that you left us in the first place Papa? That you moved us away from our friends and then ditched us for weeks with a crazy person who basically kidnapped us in the middle of the night and brought us to some cabin in the woods? Yeah. I feel super blessed. I’ve for sure lost my job at this point. And now we’re stuck here. In this zoo. This house smells like a zoo. It’s disgusting.”
“Eve!”
“It’s ok Daniel.” Aunt Sarah says. “She’s just upset. She’s allowed to be upset.”
“Oh I am? Thanks. Thanks for stating the obvious. I hate all of you.” And with that Eve kicks back her chair and leaves the table.
“EVE!” Papa bellows after her. “Get back here right now. You will not disrespect your aunt like that. Unbelievable.” Papa gets up and chases after Eve.
“How about a movie?” Aunt Sarah says to me as she starts clearing the table. Papa and Eve continue to yell at each other.
“Sure.” I say. Even though part of me wants to follow Eve. To fling the dishes off the table and watch them shatter on the floor. I should have been paying more attention. Maybe then we wouldn’t be here. It’s my fault. It’s my fault. It’s my fault. An ugly little voice sings in my head.