Going Home

Part 6

Hearing the front door open and close Grace got up and walked to the living room door. She was glad Josh was back but she wasn’t sure what to expect and looking at him standing just inside the door she tried to gauge his mood. But unfortunately Josh wasn’t giving much away so she waited.

Josh’s head was still all over the place but just seeing Grace eased the turbulence he felt a bit and looking at her, his expression solemn, he slowly covered the distance between them. He was glad she there and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. More than anything he needed something to hang on to. He felt like he was drowning and the warmth of her body next to his gave him solace. Then dropping his head next to her’s he said quietly “sorry.”

Relief flowed though Grace and caused her to hold him just as tightly "don't worry about it’ she said. She was just happy that he wasn’t pushing her away anymore and hoping that meant he was now ready to talk about whatever it was the was going on, Grace moved back. After looking at him for a moment, she grabbed his hand and le him into the living room. On reaching the couch Grace sat down with her legs curled under her. Still holding his hand she pulled Josh down to sit next to her.

Looking at him she could see in his eyes the turmoil he was feeling and asked with concern “are you okay?”

Josh looked down at his hands and nodded but didn’t speak.

Studying his serious expression for a minute she asked “can you tell me what’s going on?”

Leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees, Josh rubbed his hands over his face. He didn’t know where to start.

As the silence stretched Grace gently prompted him “who was on the phone Josh?”

Then finally looking back into her eyes he replied in a grave tone “my mother.”