The Link

Chapter 5 - Sam

"Your tears are more lovely than you know," Rose whispered. The loneliness I felt in her made more sense. "the cancer is just more of my luck," she quipped. I tried to smile though it must have looked strange mixed with watery eyes.

"I don't know why she showed me that," I said, "she only showed me what I needed before." I secured Stinky with one hand and wiped my eyes with the other. I knew Rose had maybe a year left on this world.

"Maybe I needed it," Rose said as she sat back into the chair, "Maybe I needed to know that someone cared."

"You have Natalie...," I said. Rose's face shifted, and she looked away, "you haven't told her," I added knowing it was the truth. It was amazing that I could see it in her face so easily. I had never been able to read people before.

"I don't want her to come because I'm dying," Rose said with a small thread of anger. She stood to put the spoon in the sink and throw the empty jar away. I had to reset my hold on Stinky as she surged forward and tried to follow her, or maybe it was the jar.

"We're here," I said with determination. I couldn't believe it came out of my mouth. I didn't want to leave this woman alone. A day ago, I would have run in the other direction and not given it a second thought. I looked down at Stinky, wondering what kind of drug she was. When I looked up, Rose was staring at me with her own tears.

"I'm not leaving," I reworded.

"Yes, you are," Rose stuttered, "you need to get her to Portland." I thought about it and decided that going to Portland could wait. I didn't even know what waited for Stinky there. It could be a wasted trip, but staying here was not. Rose had a short time left on this planet, and she wasn't spending them alone.

"We are just more of your luck," I said, shaking my head, "we aren't going anywhere unless you kick us out."

"I might just have to kick then," Rose acknowledged, her eyes widening.

"We're staying. Someone needs to show me how to take care of Stinky," I said, adding an upbeat tone to my words, "I have no idea what's in Portland, but I know what's here. I need your help, Rose."

"I could use a pleasant diversion," Rose said. I stood with Stinky and did something I hadn't done in a long time. I hugged someone. Stinky helped. I should have washed her up first.

The doorbell rang and broke up the group hug. Rose wiped her eyes and straightened her robe. I handed her the towel by the sink, and she wiped off some of the green stuff that Stinky had spread around.

"Stay here," Rose said as she moved out of the kitchen with her confidence restored. I wished my mother was like her. Mine would trade me for a bottle of Jack at the drop of a hat. I wondered what kind of person Natalie was. How could she just ignore such a perfect mother? I looked at Stinky and wondered how Rose became wonderful in only an hour. I should fear the change. It could only cause me problems. Stinky smiled at me with green lips. I wasn't sure I was choosing the problems of my own free will. Maybe, Stinky chose them for me. I hoped it was me. I wanted it to be me.

"Good evening, Ma'am." I heard a male voice after Rose opened the door.

"Good evening, officer," Rose returned, "I hope everything is alright. I heard a loud bang a little awhile ago, and it's got me a little frightened." Her acting abilities, at least, her voice, was very convincing. It's always good to point out the obvious to preempt questions.

"It was just a dumpster fire, Ma'am. It's been taken care of."

"Thank goodness," Rose exclaimed with relief, "I thought it was something more serious."