I had my head in the clouds all day.
It was so weird to feel like a kid who had his first crush. I mean, I didn’t act this way when I had just been a kid with his first crush.
All day I kept searching for Dharma just to make sure that she was still there.
She went with me to lunch and pretended to eat.
Then she left about an hour before we had to close.
When I got home, I expected her to be there. She wasn’t.
I tried not to think about what she was out there doing.
The phone rang.
I walked over and picked up the phone.
“Hello?”
“Johnny?”
“Hi mom.”
“Johnny, something’s happened.” Her voice sounded frantic.
“What is it? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. It’s Violet. She’s been in an accident.”
“Is she okay?”
“The doctors don’t think she’s going to make it.”
I was speechless.
“Johnny? Are you there?”
I swallow.
“Yeah, sorry. I’ll be out on the next flight okay?”
“Okay.”
“I’ll catch a cab from the airport. Don’t worry okay?”
“Alright.”
She gave me the name of the hospital and the floor where Violet was being kept.
Dharma took the phone from my hands and hung up.
“You need to go now.” She
I reach for her.
Her warm hands catch mine.
“Come with me.”
“No.”
“Dharma.”
“I’ll come to you if you need me but it’s best if I stay here. I will tend to your store.”
“Alright.”
I went to my room and packed a bag, and then I made arrangements with the airport.
There was a flight out to Chicago tonight and I was able to get a ticket.
I went to say good-bye to Dharma and Archie.
I scratch Archie’s head.
“Take care of my cat?”
“Yes.”
My flight landed in Chicago an hour late.
It was two in the morning when I stepped out of the gate.
I saw my mother’s face in the crowd.
She came forward.
“Mom? What are you doing here?”
“I figured it was best if I came for you. Visiting hours are over anyways.”
I hugged her, a little awkwardly at first but then with more vigor.
“I missed you.” She says.
“I miss you too.”
“Did you bring any luggage?” She asks stepping back.
