Shore Leave

Not home yet

"So it's just everyone you met at the hospital, plus our dog Sea Monkey. You usually call him bubba or marshmallow boy," Ailis explained while she started grabbing Mia's bag. "So really chill, we can pretend that it's a normal Saturday for us. Sometimes all of us hang out and watch terrible movies or we'll play party games and stuff."

"That sounds nice," Mia said. "Would it be rude if I wanted to take a shower? I feel really gross."

"Not at all, we sorta figured you would," Ailis smiled. "I'll give you a tour of the room if you need it then give you some privacy. We're ordering lunch from a Chinese restaurant we all like, I'll grab your favorite," They walked up the porch steps and Ailis unlocked the door, pushing it open and stepping inside. "Home!" She called out of habit, kicking her shoes off and putting them on the rack. Mia was looking around, taking it all in. There was a small entryway hall with a coat closet and a shoe rack that led to the main living room area with the kitchen off to the right. The master bedroom was on the other side of the kitchen, with another small hallway to the left of the living room that led to Mors' room and the office. Sea Monkey barked happily a few times before coming over, sitting and waiting patiently for attention with his tail wagging.

"Where's everyone?" She was looking around, trying not to walk too far into the house. Mia looked around like she was trying to figure out how the home was laid out. She seemed a little scared of Sea Monkey, flinching when he tried to nose at her hand for some affection.

"That- is a good question," Ailis started looking around. She found the three of them on the couch watching a movie, turning to smile at them. Beth and Rae looked pretty normal, but Ailis could see the nervousness on Mors' face.

"Hey, sorry we're over here, we just didn't want to crowd Mia," Beth said as she stood up. She looked over at the other woman. "Welcome home, how are you feeling?"

"I'm alright, I still have the worst headache of my life that comes and goes. I'm still getting used to being forty," she said holding herself. Beth nodded looking at Ailis.

"How's her memory? Any progress going in the car?"

"She remembered my drink when we went to Starbucks, and she remembered the launch sequence and how often we did it," Ailis confirmed with a smile. "We're off to a good start."

"Yeah, I feel a little less wigged out every time I remember something," Mia said. "I'm gonna go shower first though, I feel really gross."

"Yeah, freshen up! We're just hanging out for a while," Rae said softly. "The food will be on its way by the time your out."

"Wait- you can order delivery that isn't just pizza?" Mia asked. "I thought it was like a call-ahead thing."

"Nope! You can order anything you want to order nowadays. Food, drinks, groceries, weed. All of its at the push of a button," Rae laughed. Ailis noticed Mors was being quieter than usual, hands shoved in his pockets and not really looking at Mia. Sea Monkey went and sat at his feet, whining quietly.

"I'll show you when you're clean and comfortable," Ailis offered. "There's a few things called apps on your phone you can use."

"What's weed?" Mia asked.

"Uh- shoot, do you know what marijuana is?" Ailis asked. "It's just another word for that."

"It's the devil's lettuce," Rae clarified. "That's what her little cult family called it."

"Oh," her eyes went a little wide. "I don't smoke that, do I? Because that might be too much."

"No, you don't," she said right away. "But I'll show you the room and the shower and just take your time," Mia nodded and started following her down the hallway. Ailis' chest tightened a little, she hadn't slept in their room yet since the accident and being in here with her made her ache to just curl into bed with her wife. Back when she was still in her coma, the only thing getting her through it was the image of both of them cuddled in the bed they'd shared for nine years. She quickly wiped the stray tears away and cleared her throat. "Any memories in here or should I show you where everything is really quickly?" She asked, clearing her throat when her voice came out a little weak. She looked over at Mia, watching her take it all in. She's almost there, just a little longer and we'll have her back.