"Hello," Kali answered Ember's call as she shimmied into her skirt.
"Kali, we are waiting for you and Samuel in the parking lot. Are you with him?"
"No." She buttoned up her skirt and struggled into her sneakers. "He must be changing too. I am almost done here. I'll be out soon."
"Alright."
Kali tucked a strand of hair behind her ears, lo
Kali woke up, sluggishly reaching over to stop her alarm clock before it rang. Well-rested and recovered from the previous day, she sat up, stretching her limbs leisurely. As she usually did, she took some time to pray before slipping her rings on and shuffling into her sandals. When she turned, she was surprised to find Samuel sitting at the foot of the balcony doors.Unsure, she looked to the bed to confirm his side was empty before looking back at him. It was the first time she had seen him awake so early in the morning, sitting where she usually stood to watch the night sky fade as the day broke through.&ldq
Samuel kept his hand on the small of Kali's back while the doctor gave them a rundown of everything that happened before they arrived. June was still in surgery. She had been shot twice during the robbery, and her condition when she arrived was critical. He didn't mention any complications, but the monotone voice with which spoke didn't seem to give a stock still Kali any relief.The doctor left, but Kali remained frozen on the spot, her eyes glued to his retreating back. Samuel came around to look at her,alarmed when he noticed the sharp rise and fall of her chest.
Samuel coughed into his fist to hide his amusement as Ember watched Kali devour the plates of food he had ordered after his parents left. Kali was an emotional eater, and the reason she didn’t eat when they waited for news about the surgery was because she was emotionally exhausted and in panic. With her sister in recovery and most of the tension around them eased Samuel tried to distract her from the wait by giving her something good to eat.It had been difficult to convince her to leave the hospital, but he had. He reminded her, over and over, that sitting on the bench seats waiting for things to change wouldn’t make them change faster. Thankfully there was a restaurant nearby, and since Ember didn’t have much to eat, he invited her along. Now, he watched her gawk at Kali, who busied herself with her full plate of burgers, fries and a tall glass of Pepsi.He glanced at his discombobulated sister and patted her shoulder. “Stop judging.”“I am not judging.” She stammered, looking down
“Do I have to go to your place?”“I will try not to be offended by the implications of that statement.” Kali huffed, playfully tugging on June’s hair. “Youwillbe staying until you recover fully.”“My hand isn’t that bad. I can handle myself. I don’t want to intrude.”“If Samuel and I were newlywed and on ou
“How often do you come to these?” “At first, it felt like there was a party every day.” Kali joked as she adjusted the sling on June’s arm. “I wasn’t used to it, and it was mostly saying hello and making small talk, but now, I am more than used to it. I have had a good teacher. Ember walked me through how to make these gatherings easier on myself. Now, it barely registers.” “Maybe you’ll have to teach me,” June whispered, gazing over Kali’s bent head. “I have met six people at this thing and as soon as I mention your name, they are all ‘ohs’ and ‘ahs’. I think three of them have mentioned how grieved they were for missing your wedding. I don’t mind being amiable but I have smiled and laughed, but the conversations just keep coming.” Kali chuckled. “Rule one, don’t be alone. All the questions will fall on you, but if you have someone else, they can either answer on your behalf or shift the conversation to themselves. Stick close to me.” “Say no more.” June flippantly pressed hersel
Samuel sat on one of the sofas in the VIP section of the hall. Most of his family were out socializing, and he had taken the time to sit by himself, nursing a cup of whiskey. Ember had whisked Kali and June off to meet some friends who were in attendance. Samuel appreciated having the space to himself. He needed time to dig his mind out of the pit it was throwing itself down."You are sulking again." Kali appeared, taking a seat, apparently done with the introductions.Samuel shook his head. "Just enjoying the party."
Kali laughed as Ember continued panther on about her attractive former teaching assistant. Samuel had gone off somewhere, and Ember took her from one group to another, making introductions and catching up with old friends. Kali had only stepped away for ten minutes to get something to drink when Ember joined her, agitated and fiery by the bar. She spent the next five minutes ranting about her college professor."Teaching assistant." Ember corrected. "He was a teaching assistant."“Fine. Did you guys get off on the wrong foot when you met in Germany?”
Samuel went out for his run before Kali woke up. His lungs burned as his feet pumped, pushing him forward faster and faster. The morning air nipped at his exposed skin, cooling the beads of sweat that formed on his face and neck. His breath came by harder and harder as he ran under the dark sky, the yellowish glow of the streetlight brightening his path.After an hour and a half of running, he stumbled to a stop, bracing his hands against his knee to catch his breath. Running had always been a means of escape. Kali liked to gouge herself on treats, and he enjoyed running.Dawn was breaking over the buildings, and colours blended into the dim sky, chasing away the darkness. Tired, Samuel sat on one of the park benches, looking at the sidewalk as other joggers walked by. On the other side of the street stood a tall hotel. Its flashing lights showcased the name with each blink.The first and last time he stepped foot in that hotel was when he was sixteen years old.