The Time Traveler's Wife

The Vow Renewal

November 2019

"Prom was pretty damn magical," Laura sighs happily as she and Carmilla flip through the photo album. "Although I'll admit I was sad for weeks that we didn't kiss at the end of the night."

Carmilla laughs. "But then the first time I kissed you wouldn't have been the first time you kissed me," she points out.

"Whatta romantic," Laura teases, leaning in closer.

Carmilla hums and meets her in the middle for a long, sweet kiss. "Look who's talking. You're the one who wants to renew our vows two years into marriage."

Laura chuckles and gives her another peck on the cheek. "We're celebrating the real start to your treatment," she says brightly. "You were able to jump back to almost the same day you left me when you traveled away."

"That's still a long time," Carmilla sighs.

"Still better than waiting for weeks." Laura goes to the kitchen with mugs in hand, followed by the familiar clattering of her prepping for hot cocoa refills.

Carmilla notices that Laura's put up some new pictures-- a couple are from their wedding, some are casual ones of them alone, a few are holiday pictures with their friends and Sherman. And one of Laura and her mother.

She'd seen it before-- Laura in the park, beaming as she has a bit of frosting on her cheek. Her mom is positively glowing as well, her warm and genuine smile something that Laura clearly inherited.

She stands up and notices the "new message" notification light on their house phone voicemail is blinking, so she hits the 'play' button.

"You have four new messages," it says. "First voice message:"

"Hi, sis. Just wanted to see if your treatment is working. Although I guess it's not, or I wouldn't have to leave this message at all."

Carmilla laughs and deletes the message, making a mental note to call Mattie back later.

"Next voice message:"

"Heyyyy Karnstein. It's been almost a day since Laura told me you traveled away. Guess we got some tweaking to do! But don't worry, we're gonna make sure the blood you got from your dad... it won't go to waste, okay? See ya when I see ya."

Another mental note to call LaFontaine back as Carmilla goes to the next message. This one is clearly automated.

"Hello. This message is for. Laura Hollis. This is a third reminder regarding your urgent medication refill. Your prescription has been ready. Please pick it up as soon as possible. Thank you."

Carmilla turns to find Laura holding two full mugs.

"What prescription?" Carmilla asks.

"Oh, uhm. It's nothing," Laura mumbles.

The machine goes to the next message.

"Hi, sweetie, it's dad. So... You know how I'm your backup with the antibiotics and stuff? After you missed the last reminder, they called me and I know you're busy and stressed which probably isn't helping with the whole heart thing. I got them for you and I'll give them to you at the vow renewal! Assuming Carmilla returns in time for that, of course. Otherwise I'll just swing by. Love you!"

Laura looks over nervously at Carmilla, who's staring intently at her with her arms crossed. "Explain."

The front door lock clicks and Sherman steps through. "Oh, haha, I just saw your text that Carm did travel back in time for the vow renewal tomorrow," he says, staring down at his phone. "Well, I was already in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd drop off your--"