Strawberry soda at night

CHAPTER 16. year 2033

A blue bird flew on the windowsill outside, the plants fluttered in the soft summer breeze as sun shone through creating spotlights for the fallen diamonds of the night prior. Eva folded tiny clothes on the living room floor while the daily cooking show made her crave stew with cheese for some reason.

''I should see if the potatoes are still edible..'' Eva's eyes were glued on the screen when she heard the faint sound of her ringtone on the background. She felt the surrounding with her hand only, finding the phone behind her.

''Hey Sara!'' Eva beamed as she placed the phone between her shoulder and the cheek.

''Hey girl! How are you two doing?'' Hearing even the first word from Sara with her bubbly rapid speaking would never fail to make Eva smile.

''Ugh, getting crowded for the both of us.'' Eva positioned herself to hold the armrest of the couch, standing up she stretched her aching back.

''Why did you have to move so far away? I can't help you from all the way once the baby is here!'' Sara sounded truly sorry, the whine in her voice loud even without seeing.

''I know, you keep reminding me.'' Eva giggled, ''Don't worry. It was me who suggested this. Getting away from the city was for the best. Besides, it's good to live near Miriam. I just visited her a few days ago.''

''I know.. I talked to her yesterday.'' Sara sighed deeply, ''Once Tommy's school is on summer break we'll visit immediately! Steven just spoke about wanting to see the ocean this summer.''

''Sounds good.'' Eva walked near the window and watched as the blue bird flew away, ''I should get ready, can I call you later? Mother-in-law should be here in a few minutes and Josh's going to get off from work in an hour. We'll be celebrating today!''

''Sure, let's talk tomorrow. Oh and I almost forgot! We sent a package on the mail! Tommy's old clothes that I saved through the years. Tell Joshua congratulations from us!''

''Really? Thank you! Will do, love you Sara.'' Eva held her already round belly, feeling the kick also saying bye to the already esteemed favorite auntie.

It was the year 2033. Approximately nine years had passed and in those years, many of Joshua's milestones had seen the light, one ultimate goal already on their way. Joshua studies hard to get into the medical school, got in at first try. Eva never had any doubt about him being able to pull it off, but Joshua was still stunned for the whole week after receiving the acceptance letter. Eva continued working in the office when they still lived in the city, climbing to become the training manager taking in new employees.

Somewhere along the lines, Joshua and Eva got married and moved in together. Their wedding ceremony was simple and intimate, nothing huge. Could've been a family dinner from the outside looking. Once it was time for Joshua to find work for the trainee period of the studies, Eva suggested them moving closer where Miriam lived, since the town had a well known hospital and laboratory, famous for the healthcare and the nursery home where Miriam lived close by.

On top of those valid points, Eva had a hidden ulterior motive. In the city they had many good memories together, but for Joshua, he seemed to struggle from time to time. The past never truly letting go of its tight grip. Thus Eva began to look for the areas around, when her eyes were set on the town near by the ocean where Miriam decided to retire. Getting away from the buzz and nightlife proved to be the right decision, as Joshua managed to get a job in the lab for a six month training period, which turned into a part-time job and now, after gaining experience, a full-time position.

Eva stared at the certificate of Joshua's education which she had proudly placed on the living room bookshelf despite Joshua intending on hiding it somewhere in the bedroom closet. That wouldn't do, so Eva took it upon herself to find the perfect spot in the middle of their home.