The family had picked and packed many of Emily’s belongings around the house aside from a few sentimental items Simon wanted to hold onto. The house had far more storage than he could remember, but it’d left an emptier space in him as they went through memories of her. He went through a few cycles of grief, but all the packing, in a sense, felt just as cleansing as it was painful.
Soon, Simon returned to a new version of life and began to help Cherish around the house more. She tried her hardest to keep the house clean, the babies cared for, and the family fed, but even he could see it was too much for her after time.
The babies were bigger, longer, and now they followed shapes and silhouettes with their eyes and heads. Jasmine would stare at Simon most days when he held her, and Jr. would grunt and stare at Cherish every time he ate. Emily’s parents had a couple of days left before they’d return home. Simon was saddened to see them go because a part of him hoped the distance wouldn’t drive a wedge between them.
One morning when the parents were downstairs with the kids, Cherish. stood in the middle of the half-emptied closet with Simon. she reached up and pulled another shoe box of Emily’s. Pulling the lid open, she blinked to find that it wasn’t filled with shoes; again. Her heavy, curly hair was tied on the top of her head and she pushed the ends out of her face, “I found another box filled with acrylic paint supplies and they’re unopened.” Cherish said showing them to him, “There’s one thing I’ve realized about this beautiful woman, she wanted to be artsy, but never did it.” She chuckled lightly shaking her head, “I’m surprised I haven’t found a pottery wheel yet.” She added.
Margaret was in the middle of folding a few of Emily’s shirts and placed them into a plastic bin. She glanced up at Cherish and gave her a smile, “Oh no dear, that’s in the shed next to the glass blower.” She retorted.
Cherish’s expression fell and she slowly turned her head to face Simon, “I-Is she serious?” she asked.
Margaret smirked to herself and shook her head as she laughed lightly to herself. If there was one thing they learned about Cherish, it was that she was gullible at times.
Simon and his mother shared a smile at here expense. There were times where she was absolutely endearing which would drastically lighten the mood, “There’s also an eight-foot marble block just waiting to be sculpted.” He retorted.
Cherish’s eyes widened as she looked between them and caught on to their teasing, “Oh, I’m sure there is.” She said.
Margaret laughed to herself as she pressed the top on the plastic bin with a clack, “Forgive us, Cherish. We have to find laughter where we can.” She said.
Simon placed his hands on his hips and looked around the room. Aside from what they had already pulled out, there wasn’t anything else he could think of that still belonged to Emily. They’d finally packed the last box. “I think we got everything…” There was a hint of sadness in his voice. Looking at the time, Simon noted they had about an hour before needing to leave, “Your doctor appointment is soon, Cherish.” He said.
She looked to Simon slightly confused, “I have an appointment today?” Asking again, she left the closet and went towards the calendar over the dresser. There, in big red letters, written was “Cherish’s Doctor’s Appointment. DO NOT CANCEL AGAIN”. She blinked a few times as she placed a hand against the side of her face.
It was true, she’d been trying to avoid going to the doctor on Simon’s expense, but she had yet to stop bleeding fully and there were a few worries about a sore, fleshy spot she’d found. Once she told Simon about it, he demanded she go to the doctor. Cherish rubbed her lips together and watched Margaret lift the box and leave the bedroom to join the others, “I don’t even have health insurance yet.” She said looking to Simon.
Hearing this halfway down the hallway, Margaret quickly called out, “You’re going!”
There was no way Simon was going to let her weasel out of the appointment again. He lifted an eyebrow sharply at Cherish as his mother spoke for both of them, “Yes, you are.” He echoed. Stepping out, he closed the closet, “And we’re not going to be late either, so…” He gave a gentle pull on her arm, “…let’s go.” He stated.
Cherish squeezed her eyes shut and blew out as they twisted her arm. They took financial responsibility for her and she had to continuously tell herself they wanted to help. Nodding, she pulled her arm away and quickly grabbed her worn wallet from the dresser. The only item that Cherish was allowed to have was her social security card. She didn’t have a license, insurance, or bank cards. She truly had her name and number with nothing more.
Going down the steps, she smiled at the other four and followed Simon to the side door through the kitchen. He stopped and watched the kids from afar, “We won’t be too long.”
Jack spoke up, “Don’t worry about it. You and Cherish enjoy yourself. Go have lunch and see a movie or something nice after. When’s the
