Down Memory Lane ✓

25- Seven Years Too Short

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Seven Years Too Short

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I'D NEVER been to New York, and now we lived there. Well, technically I had been there because I had memories of us moving and all that, but this felt like the first time I would experience it. It was weird having memories that didn't feel like your own but were.

Thinking back, I recalled that after our house in Kansas burned down; we found a temporary place. Then Dad took his annual leave from work, which ended up in his resignation. Turns out the simple question I asked about him being a banker was enough to change the trajectory of our lives and was also one reason behind our move to New York.

New York was busy and nothing like Kansas. Dad's salary was better now, despite the change of industries. Jane had to apply for a new job as a high school teacher and applied to teach at the same school Tony transferred to. Former me would have found that weird, but now I see nothing wrong with it and if Tony's fine with it, then it's alright.

But there was something—well, someone that had been on my mind since I talked with Grandma.

Mom.

It's been seven years since I had seen or heard from her. Before the cave, I was angry about that and felt Jane was at fault. But now, I had left all that behind and wanted to see her and talk. A talk that's long overdue.

And I had this feeling that she knew something about it. After all, Allistair did mention something about her. What was it again? I guess my memory of the cave is still fuzzy.

"How're you feeling?" I heard and turned to see Jane walk out to join me on the porch. I'd come out shortly after I left with Grandma. There was a serenity here. The clearing in front of the house wasn't anything spectacular. It was the forest that lay ahead that was rather intriguing. The same one I'd walked into.

Just looking at it made me feel like painting it but since I wasn't with any items and couldn't remember if I brought my sketchbook, I took it all in with my eyes, hoping my brain would remember every single detail by the time I got pen to paper.

"I'm fine."

"I'm sorry we're going soon to leave soon."

Oh yeah, Dad decided he'd had enough of Grandma's cabin. We should have stayed a month, but we were leaving tomorrow instead after spending about six days here. Five of which they spent in worry.

"You know," she continued, "You never really talked to us about what happened during those days. And I understand, but if you—"

"Need to talk? Don't worry. I know you'll always be there," I completed for her and she nodded.

"Actually, I was thinking of my mom."

"Oh."

"I mean, I think it's time I saw her or at least talked to her. I just have some questions for her."

Silence rang aloud. I guess I should wonder about it. The forest surrounded us, after all. There had to be some sound, but it was the least on my mind. The silence brought a strange sense of peace.

"Well, we can arrange for that. We could still change our route for tomorrow and go to Minnesota instead. It would be a very long ride, but we could rest along the way," she said, mulling it over.

Minnesota.

I mean, I knew that was where Mom was. I just didn't think Jane would remember, not like it would help her, anyway.