With a confused expression, she placed a hand against her chest, "M-Me?" She questioned. Glancing at Simon hesitantly before she returned to Margaret, "A-Am I allowed to? I mean, is it okay?" She questioned.
Margaret nodded slightly, "Of course it is, baby. Please." She whispered softly.
Wetting her lips, Cherish felt all eyes on her as she blinked several times at the flickering flame, "Alright." She responded before she pushed herself to stand. Handing Jasmine to Simon Sr., she nervously reached over and grabbed the blue candle. Cupping her left hand beneath it, She rolled her lips in and touched the flame to the new wick; setting it alight.
To Simon, it felt as though Cherish was officially a close member of their family in that moment; more so than before. He didn’t think it was possible. The glow over her face touched him and he stared deeply into her features. He was elated that she accepted his family’s traditions willingly and couldn’t describe exactly how he felt.
Placing the candle back, she was met with Margaret's warmed grin before she took the bottom of the Chanukkiah. Miriam stood and followed with her hands over her chest. She waited until Margaret had set it down in the window closest to them. Backing away, she held her hand out and Miriam stepped forward. Opening her palms, she unfolded a photo of Emily and rested it against the window as well. Her bright, timeless smile was illuminated by the dim light.
Silence.
The impact of Emily’s picture slowly grew inside of Simon. First, it didn’t rock him as hard as he thought, but then the sadness and grief became unbearable. He pulled his glasses off, placed them on the table, and pinched his tears. Last year, she was there beside him and celebrating Hanukkah. On a regular basis, the thought of Emily didn’t hurt anymore. He had grieved and lived his life on without her and accepted it was okay. But, at times like these, he really mourned the short life of someone so wonderful. A woman he had considered his soul mate was gone and he truly missed her. It wasn’t fair, but he couldn’t change the past.
In time, he’d look at their moments and feel sentimentally warm, but, for now, it hurt. A deep pain that someone as kind as her was gone. Or…was she? Slowly, Simon lifted his eyes and caught a glance at Cherish. Her mouth twisted to the side as she rolled her gaze to a corner and ran a finger beneath her eyes. They weren’t the same person, but they certainly had the same gentleness and compassion that came straight from the heart. He honestly believed that, because of Cherish, he was able to move on as much as he had. Watching her in the silence, the tight, choking pain in his chest lessened before he no longer noticed it. Sighing, he looked down at his son and rocked with him.
Miriam wiped at her eyes while Jack exhaled a deep, sighed breath with his arms crossed. Margaret stood there with her arms around Miriam and rocked from side to side as they used the time to reflect and remember. Before long Jr. yawned which caught on with Simon and soon Miriam gave into her fatigue. She pressed a hand to her mouth and wiped at her teary eyes, “I think it’s time to turn in, I’m exhausted.” She whispered.
Jasmine had already dozed away on Simon Sr.'s shoulder. Cherish turned her attention to Simon and the boys as Margaret sighed to herself, "I think I'm going to stay up a little while. Goodnight you guys." She whispered.
Simon Sr. handed his granddaughter over to Cherish before he appeared by his wife’s side. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders with the intent to stay up with her.
Cherish held onto Jasmine tightly, "Goodnight everyone." She whispered waving to them. She looked back at Simon with Jr. in his arms and paused, "Are you ready?" She asked.
Miriam and Jack already made their way to their bedroom by the time Simon got to his feet. He looked towards the Chanukkiah and the picture of his late wife once more before he nodded, “Yeah, I’m ready.” He answered.
Taking the babies upstairs, they managed to put them to bed with more ease than usual because it was well past their usual bedtime. Simon rubbed his cheeks, “I’m going to shower.” He whispered.
Cherish glanced back at him as she placed a warm blanket over Jr.’s body, “Okay, goodnight Simon.” She replied as he left.
Stepping out of the kids’ room, she blew out and rolled her neck from one side to the other. In her own bedroom she started the shower, dwelled on the thoughts of her newfound family, and smiled to herself. Washing down, she rinsed off and changed into her pajamas.
Simon sat on the edge of his bed for a few minutes and waited. When she didn’t show up, the thought of her in the candlelight spurred him to take initiative. Opening the door, he peered out towards the hallway. Going to her door, he gave it a quiet knock and pried it open, “Hey, do you mind if I come in?” he asked in a whisper.
As she brushed her teeth, her eyebrows tucked together before backstepping into the bedroom and saw Simon’s face. Her foamy mouth tilted upwards at him and she nodded. Returning in the bathroom, she rinsed her mouth and clicked the light off, “Are you coming for a visit or to sleep?” she asked pumping lotion in her hands and rubbing them together.
Simon stepped
