Chapter 70

Suddenly, David becomes greatly saddened; succumbing to an unjustifiably misconceived feeling of burdensome guilt and shame. He feels that he's let her down as a father. As a father, it was his job to take care of and protect her; and he believes he's failed her miserably. She's dying from leukemia and there's nothing he could do about it. He couldn't protect her from the disease…and he can't stop it from killing her. For this, he feels somehow guilty; and would most willingly trade places with her if possible. And while these unsubstantiated feelings and thoughts resound in his mind; Nadine's opinion of her father is quite the contrary. Right now, being held in his arms…despite the fact that in reality her world is rapidly falling apart and coming to an imminent end… she has never felt more safe and secure…and loved. At this moment, all is right in the world; and nothing can take that away from her as long as he continues to hold her. They continue to cling onto each other, neither wanting to let go, both haunted by a disturbing precognition that this will most likely be the last time they'll be together. There are no more ‘good' days; some are just less rough than others. And on those ‘kinder' days, Nadine insists on visiting the Wilson residence. She finds the tranquility of their home to have the most soothing effect on her mind and spirit as the end quickly approaches. And Cheryl has no objection to this; she just wants her daughter's last days to be as pleasant and comforting as possible for her. So, she'll have Corrine take Nadine…and Adele; who now practically lives at the Martins to be with her dying friend…over to Estelle's house. Nadine's wrapped in a blanket, lying on a lawn lounge chair; with Adele sitting on the ground at her side. They're drinking Estelle's renowned sun brewed iced tea sweetened with fresh, all natural, dark honey acquired from Mr. Talbot's bee farm. This drink is one of the very few items that Nadine's faltering body can tolerate these days; and it's probably Nadine's favorite. Adele finishes her glass of iced tea. "I'm gonna get some more tea. Want some?" "Maybe a little more…thanks." Adele takes Nadine's glass and runs inside. Estelle and Corrine are sitting at the kitchen table drinking their tea. "Grandma; is it okay if I get more iced tea for me and Nadine?" "It's in the fridge, Suga'bear." "Thank you." Adele gets the pitcher and takes it over to the sink counter to pour the tea. While doing so, she looks out the window to check on Nadine. Outside, two baby deer cautiously exit the woods bordering the edge of the backyard and carefully survey the area, then move in slowly towards Nadine. Nadine happens to look up in their direction and sees them approaching her. She smiles with a partially agape mouth. These days, Nadine isn't fully cognizant all the time; sometimes forgetting what has happened mere moments before. She has forgotten that Adele went inside to get the tea; and scans her immediate surroundings looking for her. "Adele…where are you? Do you see them?" From the kitchen window, Adele watches as the deer walk up to Nadine and gently rub their noses against her head. Nadine softly strokes them as they do this. Adele starts to cry. She cries out, "Grandma." Estelle and Corrine jump up and hurry to Adele. Estelle starts looking out the window just as Adele wraps her arms around her waist, throws her face into her chest and sobs. Estelle sees the deer by Nadine, then looks down upon Adele's head while gently patting her back. "Now, now, Suga'bear…you got to be strong now…for Nadine." Adele lets go of Estelle and wipes her face dry as she forces herself to stop crying. "Okay, Grandma…I will. For Nadine." Estelle smiles. "I know you will. Now go on and take that tea out to her, Suga'bear." "Yes, mam." Adele picks up the glasses and goes out the back door. When she steps onto the porch, the deer look up in her direction, then slowly retreat back into the woods. Adele goes to Nadine, gives her the glass and sits back down beside her. Nadine, speaking as enthusiastically as she could under her condition, inquires, "Adele…did you see that?" "Uh-huh." "Oh my God; that was so cool."