A World Caving In

Holding on

The day finally came. The day they parted ways, the day they could last see him, the day they could last feel him. The car ride to his parent's house went by so fast, their destination just around the block. Jean stayed in the car, letting the gas run, he couldn't bear not seeing his boy for a year. "Always knew I was the brave one in this relationship", Mace sighed. The walk from the car to her in-laws' front door was hard. With every step she took, her heart fell deeper and deeper into the dark dark abyss. 3 rings could be heard, followed by the creaking of a door.

"Mace, a pleasure to meet you again. Wish the conditions were better though" Mr Smith's tone slowly turning somber. "Yeah, hope the mission finishes faster than expected." Mace says as she turns her attention to the sleeping baby Ares. "Here, take these bags. They contain everything he'd need. I'll put Ares on the sofa." This wouldn't be the end of the world right? It's just a year, how hard could it be. "Mother and father will come back for you, darling."

Silence. That's one word to describe the car ride to the airport. Bored eyes looked on at the passing traffic which eventually became only blobs of colours. "Jean, this will be the last time, won't it?" Mace questioned, breaking the silence. A bit lost for words, himself unsure on what to answer,
"One can wish, dear. One can only wish for a sweet life." Jean spat out, not trying to sugarcoat it anymore. If he says it as it is, the pain will definitely stop, he's sure of it. "Funny isn't it, will he even remember us? By the time we're back, will there even be enough time for us to make memories together." Jean could hear her holding back a sniffle, "It's only a year, how much could we miss? I even told my parents to take pictures of him daily." He said, trying to cheer her up. "A photograph is meant to remind us of memories that have happened, but what memory is there to remember when we weren't there to experience it first hand?" Unable to reply, Jean went to turn on the car's antique radio, fumbling a while with the knobs to get the perfect volume.

A few minutes pass by, Jean driving along the silent road, only the music accompanying him. A sigh escapes from his lips, the gas indicator's almost hitting E. Jean quickly stops by the nearest gas station, also wanting a quick rest, his body already aching.

"Hey Mace, need anything?" Jean asked while searching for his wallet. A few seconds go by, and no response. Weird, is she still sad? Or could it be that she's mad at him?

"Mace, darling" Jean grumbled out, quickly turning to her car seat. In front of him lies a sleeping Mace leaning on the car door, nose red with tears staining her rosy cheeks. "Ah, she was asleep. What an odd pose though, you dork." He thought to himself, a smile quickly appearing. He'll let her be for now. A sleep that peaceful would not be an option in the days to come.

A full gas tank and some stretches later, they were all ready to go. One thing left, making sure a certain woman is comfortable. His years with the military sure came in handy during situations like these, or was it the fact that it's happened many times before? One thing's for sure, she wouldn't even feel him picking her up.

Hands silently unbuckles the seatbelt across her body, making sure not to accidentally nudge the slumbering princess. Gently picking up her body, Jean carries Mace to the wide backseat, letting her body rest on top of the cushioned leather seats. A wide black coloured wool blanket was soon sprawled across her body, making sure the cold air couldn't get in and disturb her peace.

"You've always hated the cold." He whispered to himself, eyeing her sleeping figure from the rearview mirror.