One Long Flight 💙

Always Will

"Aisling. Wake up, love."

She felt someone gently shaking her awake. Blinking her eyes open, she realized it was already midday, and her stomach rumbled loudly, reminding her that she hadn't eaten in over 24 hours. Letting out a groan, she looked up to see her father's concerned face hovering over her. She didn't need words to understand his intent. She nodded slowly.

"I'll be out in a minute," she muttered, her voice hoarse from both exhaustion and emotions. After he left, she reached for her phone, which was almost dead, and quickly plugged it in before sending a message to Chris.

Aisling: Sorry. I fell asleep listening to the song you sent
                 She's gone 😔

Sighing, she placed her phone down and forced herself to get up and find her parents.

Her father spoke gently, "Do you want to say goodbye again before they take the body?"

Aisling shook her head slightly, her voice soft, "She's not there anymore. It's just a shell now." Seeing her father's understanding nod, she headed into the kitchen where her mother had prepared a hearty breakfast for her. The familiar taste of the English breakfast comforted her. "Thanks, Mum."

Elizabeth rubbed her daughter's back affectionately, "When you're finished, your father and I want to talk to you about something."

Aisling's shoulders tensed as she groaned, "Can I take a shower first?"

"Of course," her mother replied.

After devouring her breakfast and taking a shower, Aisling found her parents sitting at the kitchen table, looking somber. She let out another sigh, feeling the weight of seriousness in the air. "What is all this?" she asked as she examined the paperwork they had laid out.

Patrick patted the chair next to him, his tone gentle, "Sit, mo chroí."

Knowing that her father only used the term "my heart" for serious matters, Aisling took a seat next to them, eyeing the paperwork with growing concern. "Ugh. What's going on?"

Patrick sighed, "These are our wills and powers of attorney. We want to discuss them with you. It's important for us to be prepared in case something happens to one or both of us. Especially considering you're not planning on moving back to the UK, right?"

Aisling felt a sudden urge to confess her decision, even though she hadn't fully processed it herself. "Actually, I'm considering moving to Boston," she admitted, surprising even herself. She continued, her voice softer, "There's a potential professor position at Harvard." She paused, her cheeks reddening, "And maybe... someone else."

Her mother's smile widened, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Someone else? A man?"

Aisling rolled her eyes, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed. "Ugh. Please. I don't want to talk about Chris." Pushing the papers away, she stood up abruptly. "I don't want to talk about this either." Without further explanation, she left the house, grabbing her belongings and shoes on her way out. The air outside was a temporary relief from the stifling emotions inside.

✈️

Aisling ended up at a local pub that had become a familiar spot for her during her visits to London.

"Aisling! Long time no see!"

She shared a laugh with the bartender, Rick. "Hey, Rick. Liquor me up, please."

Rick chuckled and nodded. "Sure thing." He poured a glass of whiskey and slid it over to her. "I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother."

Aisling sighed and nodded her thanks. As she glanced at her phone, she saw more messages from Chris, bringing a smile to her face.