Isolated

Prologue

The morning sunlight started to creep through the still-closed windows as Emerald ran the honey color hair of her only daughter through her fingers.

Every morning since her 8th birthday, they shared this morning ritual. Just the two of them, no children underfoot, no nosey stares, no interruptions. Morning after morning they talked, giggled, sang a little melody, or just sat in companionable silence.

These 10 years had passed too quickly.

And now change lurked around the corner and Emerald's heart sank at the idea that this ritual would be done by another woman soon. She swallowed the knot in her throat, her emotions welled up in her chest and she struggled to catch her breath.

It had always been the three of them. Bonnie and Alonzo filled her heart and days, and now that season was ending.

How would her twins deal with this separation? Since the moment life sparked in their souls, they had each other.

"Mama?"

Emerald hadn't realized she had quit braiding, "sorry, Bonnie. I was just...distracted." She quickly tied the end of her daughter's waist-length hair with a little ribbon and took the floral silk kerchief from Bonnie's hands.

Emerald savored this moment as she tied the folded square of white fabric over her daughter's head. She gently kissed the crown of her daughter's head and Bonnie turned to face her mother, concern in her deep brown eyes as they searched her own.

"Are you okay?"

Emerald swallowed the tightness in her throat, "mmhhmm. I think I just need a second cup of tea to wake up is all."

Wake up. Wake up, Emerald.

She silenced the inner voice like she'd done her whole life.

"Now don't waste your morning on your worries. I know you have plenty to do."

Bonnie nodded like a good girl and quickly hugged her around the neck.

"I will see you at lunch. Let me know if you need me to bring home anything," Bonnie called over her shoulder as she went through their bedroom door.

Emerald nodded her response even though she was now alone. Slowly she settled down on the small bed her son slept in every night of his life. She rested her head in her hands and took a steadying breath.

She had to go meet with Bonnie's father in one hour and as each second ticked by loudly on the small clock on their dresser her stomach twisted tighter.

The high collar of her cream colored dress felt like it was choking her, she tugged at it but it didn't help. Nothing would help this fear choking her out. Tears welled up in her eyes and she took in a sharp deep breath. She wanted more for her children. She knew they could have more, had she only been braver.

"Calm down, Em...calm down," she repeated as she rocked side to side on the old bed. "Your girl is strong. She will be able to go further than you ever did."