So there we were, each lost in our own thoughts over what would likely be our final breakfast together. I didn't believe there would be a next time like this.
After breakfast, he politely bid my parents farewell, then headed upstairs to pack.
Dad turned to me, his voice gentle, “Honey, I want you to accompany me to the VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals shareholders' meeting today!”
“But I'm not a shareholder,” I replied, finishing the last bite of my pastry and cleaning my hands with a napkin.
Dad chuckled, “I need your company.”
“Okay,” I nodded in agreement.
As I stepped out of the dining room, Jaylan had already packed his luggage and was coming down the stairs.
He approached me, offered a few consoling words, and reminded me, “Don't forget, Carl’s due for his shots on the 22nd.”
“There's still half a month left. I know, don't worry!” I said nonchalantly. It crossed my mind how remarkably devoted he was to his role as an affectionate husband, managing to remember even Carl’s vaccination appointment.
He lingered, as if reluctant to leave. “Well then, I’m off, darling.”
“Safe travels!” I maintained a cheerful look, watching him without revealing my emotions.
He opened his arms for a hug.
I obliged, hugging him half-heartedly and patting his back meaningfully. “Take care.”
Then I let him go, gesturing towards the door. “Let’s go. I’ll see you out.”
Indeed, I had brought him into the Wilburn family home, and it was only fitting I escort him out one last time.
Standing before the grand Wilburn house doorway, I spoke with hidden depth, “Alright. Safe travels!”
He paused at the doorway, looked back at me, and said tenderly, “Alright, this is goodbye then. I’ll call you once I land.”
I blinked, smiled at him, and nodded. Without another word, I watched him hand his luggage to the driver and wave goodbye before getting into the car.
“Goodbye,” I whispered softly, fully aware of the weight those words carried.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)