She used a wet wipe to clean Jasmine off before she picked her up and held her close. They cleaned the high chairs before leaving the house. The alarm was set, the kids were in the car, and they were in the seats, “Do you have any hints on where we’re going?” he asked again.
"Um." Unable to find the words, she didn't want to catch him off guard negatively and stopped. She glanced to him and inhaled a deep breath. Staring into his smiling face, she reached over and dragged her fingertips across his stubbled jaw, "I think it’s time for Jr. to meet Emily. We can't celebrate today without her."
This was far from what he expected, and it’d be a complete lie to say that his mood didn’t shift. Changing from an expectation of fun to a serious, sentimental reality, the light slightly dimmed in his eyes, “Oh…”
Gauging his reaction, she turned the ignition and put the car into reverse. She watched the camera carefully while speaking again, "Plus. I have some things I want to say to her."
He nodded because he knew she was right. Looking back at Jr. who was none-the-wiser, Simon thought about the situation, but never considered it had he been alone. Cherish followed his drifting gaze as she glanced back at their two children. Jasmine stared out of the window ready for the ride and Jr. stared ahead at Simon. He broke into a happy grin which in turn caused Cherish to return the gesture.
There was a moment of dread because Simon didn’t know how he’d react personally at the sight of Emily’s grave after all this time. But, he got over that notion quickly, “That’s a really good idea, you’re right.” He said wetting his lips.
She turned her face to Simon and exhaled a deep breath. He didn't look thrilled with the decision, but at least he agreed to see it through, "Alright." She whispered.
Simon reached over and took a hold of her hand. To him, she was the best woman he found himself with. She respected his late wife more than he could ever expect and hoped she could speak to Emily stress free without worrying about him. He would try not to need her support.
Driving towards a place they hadn't been in a week under a year, they were once again met with the rolling hills, the tombstones, and lines of bright decorations reflecting in the June sun. Slowly, Cherish's grip tightened on the steering wheel as they approached the parking lot outside the mausoleum where Emily rested.
As the vehicle came to a stop, Cherish stared ahead at those large glass doors that went unchanged where Emily waited. Inhaling a deep breath, her gaze drifted towards Simon. She waited a few moments before breaking the silence, "Are you ready?" She asked.
Simon felt unsettled and unsure of how to act. They’d treated Emily as someone to revere and love in memory for their family, but to be in her resting place still felt strange to him. In due time, he knew it would come to feel normal as years would pass. He nodded after a deep exhale, “Yeah…yeah I’m ready.” He whispered.
Getting out of the car, he unbuckled Jasmine and pulled her into his arms. Following suit, Cherish grabbed Jr., rolled her shoulders back, and approached the glass doors; hand in hand. Entering the empty area, she blinked while staring at the corner area where Emily laid. The spotless interior smelled of lemon cleaner and, once the doors shut, they were sealed in silence.
Standing together in front of Emily, somehow Simon could feel her gentle, caring energy behind the plaque. He collected his thoughts on what he wanted to say and didn’t know how to express himself into words. Bouncing Jasmine in his arms, he rested her against his shoulder while he rubbed her small back, “Go ahead.” He insisted.
Cherish looked to Jr. who glanced around cluelessly before meeting her gaze. Inhaling a deep breath, she held him closer and approached the plaque. The stickers that held Emily’s name had been replaced with wrought iron letters screwed into place. Crouching down, she set Jr. onto his feet and had him lean both hands against the smooth marble. His pudgy fingers gripped unknowingly on the other side of his mommy.
Cherish smiled slightly to herself as she rubbed her hands against the back of his head. Jr. began patting against the stone only for Cherish to point and whisper, "Do you know who is in there? Mommy. Your mommy is in there, baby. I know she wishes she could be here." Jr. kept a steady rhythm as he stomped his right foot. Cherish looked over his head and drifted over his face with a soft smile. She placed her hand over Jr.'s and pressed it flat, "Mommy..." Taking his little hand, she then pressed it against her chest. He looked at Cherish and broke into a wide grin. Slight tears formed in the corner of her eyes as she looked to her son with a half-smile, "...mama." She whispered.
Jr. lifted his hand and gripped along Cherish's jaw before he stepped into her direction and tumbled into her arms, "Muh. Muh." He replied.
Wrapping both her arms around his little body, she rocked from side to side while staring at Emily's name. She quickly wiped her tears away and hummed, "I promise you I'll take care of him. Both of them with everything in my heart." She whispered. After a long moment she looked away and cleared her throat.
