Rose and Jack were still in bed Saturday morning. Rose rolled over, and squinted her sleepy eyes to look at the clock. Jack wrapped his arm around Rose as if he was holding on a teddy bear. It was ten o'clock, and Rose heard the door close downstairs. She was then awake, and walked downstairs to see what was happening.
She looked through the curtain-closed den window to see Audrey picking up the milk and the paper. Rose smiled. This had been an everyday routine for Audrey since the sickness of Millie. Rose saw Audrey walk back towards the front door, and quickly went into the kitchen, and pretended to look like that she was actually doing something. She got the eggs and ingredients for pancake batter out. Rose heard the door open and looked to see Audrey holding the crate of milk in one hand and the paper in the other.
"Oh, did I wake you?" Audrey asked, a little concerned.
Rose looked at Audrey. She was dressed and clean. She was ready to go and do her daily visit with Millie. Rose smiled faintly. "No, not at all. I feel so bad. I'm sorry I slept in so late. How long have you been up?"
"Oh, for a couple of hours. I'm going to wait until one to go and see Millie. Is Dad up yet?"
"No, he's still sleeping. Have you seen Max yet this morning?"
"No, I think he's still sleeping," Audrey said, and looked at the front page.
Rose looked at Audrey as she read the front page, then went back to stirring batter. "Anything interesting today?"
"No, not really."
Rose heard Audrey's voice choke. Rose looked to see Audrey's hand placed over her mouth, and tears running down her cheeks. Rose walked over towards the end of the counter where Audrey was standing and held her, comforted her. "Shh, Audrey, it's all right."
"No, it's not. Why is this happening to Millie? Why?"
"Sometimes, faith has to step in and take its course."
"She'll get better, Mom. I know that Millie will get better."
Rose could feel Audrey's tears come down on her shoulder. "I know, Audrey, I know." Audrey let go of Rose, and dried her eyes with her hands. "That's not the way to wipe tears." Rose shook her head with a chuckle. Audrey let out a laugh. It had been a while since she'd seen her daughter laugh, let alone smile. "You should eat. I'm cooking eggs and pancakes. Want some?"
"I think I'll just have an apple." Audrey grabbed for the shiny red apple in the fruit bowl, which lay on the counter.
"I'll make a bargain with you," Rose said.
Audrey stared at her mother, and replied with, "I'm listening."
"I'll make you chocolate-chip pancakes, but only if you eat them."
Audrey smiled. "It's a deal. I'll even help make them."
That morning, Rose and Audrey talked. Not about death or sorrow, but about life, and the importance of it. The importance of life, and to never give up, to never let go.
