Luna Raine

XXIX. Grandma Raelyn Fall

Raine's POV:

I wouldn't get revenge over something so small, like the spat we had inside the car. But, he did scare the living daylight out of us after the kidnap. My school therapist would love to hear about this when I get back.

Yes, I do have a school therapist.

Yes, I have been skipping therapy for the last month.

No, my therapist is not surprised that I skipped.

Yes, I am in so much trouble when I get back.

Orphans have mandatory therapy sessions—something about helping us not go down the wrong path.

Not too long after, we pass all the buildings and into the freeway. I rest my chin against my palm as I stare at the evergreen trees. Miguel rolls down his window, and the fresh air invades my nostrils. The rebellious hair scatters across my cheeks.

"What's with that smile?" Helen asks me.

Was I smiling? "It's just-" I look back outside, "this place reminds me of my hometown."

"It does?"

I nod, and the smile only grew. I know it's just a forest, but it felt familiar. The nostalgia emerges and my stomach warms up. I know it's my first time, but it felt as if I drove down this highway a thousand times. "Yeah. My town is in the middle of nowhere surrounded by trees too. The freeway looks just like this one-" I know its stupid to say it out loud. Every freeway and forest are the same. "And there's even a hosp-"

I stopped talking the moment a large building came into view.

Words left me. The only moment that surfaces are the slight shakiness of my lips. My fingers shake, and I immediately clutch it together, afraid someone may notice.

The building was far, but I could never forget about it.

It's something I passed for the last seventeen years.

I remember the first time I went there. It was the longest trip of my life. But, grandma was sick and alone. Mom and dad didn't want her to be there by herself, so they would visit her during the weekends.

It was the same time each visit.

Right in the middle of the day, when the sun is at its highest...its peak.

In the back of the car, I would brush my stuffed animal hair while my parents talk about meaningless stuff. The trees covered us from the sun, but only here and there. After we parked, dad would pick me up and take me towards the hospital.

I didn't like it.

How everything was white.

Dad would walk inside with mom wrapped around his free arm.

Passed the large glass doors.

Through the hallway.

Passed the painting.

I smiled when I saw the crayon colors at the bottom of the painting.

Then, there she was...in the same spot as always.

Grandma Raelyn Fall.

In the back of the hospital, there is this field. Flowers that lead to the forest. A breath of fresh air.

I don't remember much about her.

But, grandma would always wear this large straw hat. On the hat was a big bow with a planet pinned in the middle. She said it was her favorite. The one grandpa bought for her. The one that made her fall in love with him.