The Cuckoo's Song

Chapter Forty-Seven

Anna had just about managed to convince Elli to come home last night. It had taken a good hour of persuading, but she had finally succeeded. She'd avoided Hans completely as he'd slept through most of the afternoon, and then got Caleb to take him some supper. She hadn't slept well, and not just because Caleb was tucked in between her and Abe. She still had no idea how to process the news. Surely, she should be used to the idea of him not being there. For so many years she had thought him dead and had still lived a full life. Did his letters really make that much difference to her?

Abe wasn't surprised to see Anna lying awake beside him when the alarm went off. He didn't say anything at first, both of them tugging clothes on as Caleb remained sound asleep in their bed. Once they were in the kitchen though, he pulled her into him, Anna burying her nose in his chest.

"Still no better?" he asked, Anna shaking her head. "Kinda wanna be mad at the asshole for makin' you sad again."

"Me too," mumbled Anna, Abe smiling a little. "I still don't know what to say to him."

"The truth is probably best," said Abe, kissing her lightly. "Take this time to say everything you need to."

"We got a lot of it out at the trial..."

"Yeah, but you had a fair few obstacles stopping full conversations..." He paused. "Myself included."

"I think that was understandable though," she said quietly. "But I suppose you're right. And this is my only chance..." As the words escaped her mouth, she broke down in tears again, Abe rubbing her back soothingly. "I don't know why," she managed, "but it's like losing Karl and Freddie all over again."

"Because he was a part of that world," whispered Abe. "He's the last part of that world, save for you." Anna went to continue when they heard footsteps dashing down the stairs.

Anna wiped her tears as Caleb ran into the kitchen, still in his pyjamas. His hair was still a mess, Anna unable to stop herself smiling at him.

"Where did y'all go?" he asked indignantly, but then saw Anna's face. "Mama?"

"It's all right my love," whispered Anna. "Come, I'll make us all breakfast..." They sat down at the breakfast table, Anna setting out coffee and juice before she prepared them both eggs. She didn't listen to what they were whispering about, her mind caught in another time.

As she served them their food and sat down, Caleb cleared his throat. "Mama," he said, Anna looking at him. "Can you play piano after breakfast? When the others are awake?"

Anna's heart melted as she looked up at Abe, who was grinning at their son.

"I'd love to," she said. "Now eat up." They all did so, Caleb helping with the plates as Abe pulled on his boots.

They heard people moving around upstairs, Abe now seeing that Anna was tense again. "Look after your mama for me, Caleb," asked Abe, kissing his head.

"I will daddy," he promised, Abe smiling before he went to Anna, wrapping his arms around her again.

"I love you so much," he whispered, kissing her deeply.

"As I love you," she replied. He pecked her cheek, then left. "Come on then," said Anna, "what are we playing today?"

"My song!" asked Caleb, pulling her over to the piano in the corner of the room.

As Abe had promised, he'd saved up and bought the piano for Caleb's first Christmas with them. It was only small, but Anna loved it more than any other she had ever owned.

"You could play for me, you know," she said. "You haven't done any lessons in days..."

"It's summer! I'm too busy," he explained, Anna laughing. "Please Mama, play my song!"