There was an awkward moment of silence as I looked at my cup. Michael broke the silence, "I should probably get some sleep. So should you."
I smiled and nodded and wished him a peaceful rest.
I had forgotten to call my mother the next day and even the few days that were to follow. I was fully healed, though I limped if I walked a long way. I called Wally and asked if he wanted to go for that walk. He agreed and we went to Quiet Falls again. I had to promise that I wouldn't climb anything. We sat on a blanket over looking the waterfall when Wally asked me something strange.
"Bird, do you ever want to get married?" I looked at him with a puzzled look and he continued, "My mom and dad were really happy together. It was like they were meant for one another." I nodded. "They were high school sweet hearts, never dated anyone else. They were really happy. You could look at my mom and see a," he paused for a moment, "a spark in her eye." I smiled, quietly listening to him. "Then dad died. Mom cried for days. She walked around the house like she wasn't even there. She didn't talk much and the spark was gone." He sighed.
"You know what buddy? I saw that spark in your mom's eyes." He looked over at me. "That night at the poetry reading, she had the same spark when she watched you read your poem."
"Really? You sure it was there?"
"Positive." He smiled and went back to thinking some more. It was getting late, "I think we should start heading back. The sun's getting a little low."
He nodded. I walked him back to his house. At his door he turned around and gave me a big hug. He looked up at me and said, "Thank you Jane," then ran inside.
I smiled and headed back to the Inn. I remembered I was going to call my mom and asked Mrs. Rose if she would mind when I got back. She told me to go right a head and not worry about how long I talked. I thanked her and went to my room. I sat on my bed thinking about what I was going to say to my mom as I dialed the number.
"Hello?"
It sounded like my grandma, "Mom?" I asked.
"Oh, Jane."
It was my grandma, "Grandma, what are you doing at mom's house?"
"Honey, where are you?"
I began to get worried, "A few states away. Where's mom?"
"I didn't want you to find out like this."
My stomach sank, "Find out what? Where is my mother?"
"She got in a car accident two days ago."
"No," I whispered as tears filled my eyes.
"She passed away this morning Jane. We need you to come home as soon as you can."
"Oh god no." It was all I could say.
"Jane?"
I didn't respond.
"Jane? Answer me please."