New Feelings

Goodbyes

I raised from my chair. I walked towards the corner of the room bracing myself between the two walls meeting at the corner to see everything. Adele came towards me, hands clasped in front of her, slightly slouched and dark bags under her eyes.

"You ok? You seem troubled?" she inquired, touching my arm.

"I'm... I'm ok, just lost in thought. It's just hard to believe..."

I responded, putting my hand over hers and squeezing slightly. Her warmth made me smile as I watched her.

"It's not just that..." she furrows her brow. "... you'd tell me if it was something, would you not?"

Her body language and expressions made me think that she knew more than she was letting on. I thought that I hid the fact of my existence well. Along our marriage, her chocolate eyes had moments in which she expected me to tell her more about me... Me as me, rather than me as a human being... Yet then I read it on her... She knew something was about to happen... She knew I knew what... She just didn't know the degree... Or that's what I thought...

She pulls her hand back, crossing it with the other across her chest. Her furrowed brow was joined by her lips curled into a scowl. I became small... I felt like a disappointment, she expecting more from me, and me unable to let her know. She took a deep breath, and her face took on a neutral expression. She gave me the cold shoulder as she turned towards the rest of the family. I cannot help but close my eyes and lower my head regretfully.

"Mommy, daddy!" I heard little Matthew starting to speak.

"Thank you! Please don't be sad. No matter what happens, I love you. You are great!" the child smiled at his parents.

I opened my eyes, looking towards the bed. James and Jeanne were tearing up, barely holding together, as the child hugged them tightly. Letting go, the little kid puts out his arm and pulls on his older brother, Alex. He pulls him in for a hug.

"Thank you, Alex. I love you and I'll miss you!" Matthew squeezed harder.

I could see a surprised face on Alex as he realised the words that his little brother was saying. He just hug him back. Those minutes felt like hours, as the sentiments of regret were floating in the air. As he let go of his brother, Matthew beckoned towards my wife to come to him. After a close hug, I heard the little kid whisper to my wife.

"Thank you, aunt Adele! You are awesome. Please don't be mad at Uncle Sam. He loves you and loves me just as much. He's just doing what he knows."

He smiled at Adele, showing the gap in his teeth.

"I know." my wife whispered back.

I was in shock as I heard what my wife whispered, staying motionless. As she raised, she turned towards me. A painful expression on her face as she touched my shoulder.

As I walked towards Matthew, I could not help but cry about what was about to happen. He hugged me tightly, whispering in my ear.

"Thank you, Uncle Sam! I can't wait to meet everyone and show them my place!" he giggled.

Crying and still hugging Matthew, I snapped my fingers. Time frozen. I step back, my ethereal form coming out, holding Matthew in my arms...