Page 82 of Pretty Thing

It’s already January fourth and I still can’t bring myself to take the Christmas tree down. I’m not sure I ever will, and somehow, I’m still moving forward. I put my foot down with Kris about New Years and opted to stay in and watch a marathon of old movies with Felix. I just wasn’t up for celebrating.

But the world still spins, and today my life is a list of claim numbers. I’m trying not to think about the fact that I used to overhear my parents discussing deductibles, interest rates, and taxes. Those are adult things. Things I never expected to have to understand at nineteen. Was I sheltered? Maybe. I don’t know.

Felix reaches over and grips my thigh.

“Eden…are you okay?”

I glance sideways and take a deep breath. He’s taken the day off work to be here with me. That sounds dramatic until I remember that he works for himself and can kind of do whatever he wants.

Still, the fact that he came makes my chest all warm and fuzzy. He’s been part of all the big things since my parents died, and it feels normal having him here.

“Yeah.”

His eyes narrow.

“I’m not buying it,” he whispers.

Before I can answer, a woman appears in the doorway.

“Eden Hale?”

I stand, and Felix stands with me. Even though I’m getting steadier by the day, he still keeps his hand on my lower back.

The woman smiles kindly.

“Hi Eden, I’m Michelle. Come on back.”

Michelle’s office is painfully normal. Beige walls, a bookcase, a single fake plant, one desk, three chairs, and that’s it, other than her computer and printer.

Michelle settles behind the desk, and we sit across from her.

“First off, I want to say I’m very sorry for your loss.”

My throat constricts, and she waits a second before continuing.

“Today we’ll review your parents’ policies and explain your next steps.”

I nod. That’s what an adult is supposed to do, but I feel totally unqualified for this conversation.

She pushes a folder across the desk and opens it for me to look at the paperwork.

“The home itself had an insurance policy for the remaining portion of the mortgage.”

My stomach twists. Okay…good…I guess.

“Put simply, your parents thought ahead and took out insurance on the house just in case something ever happened to them. It means that, in the event of their death, the remainder of the mortgage will be paid. You own it free and clear.”

Relief and disappointment flood my system all at once. Some part of me expected the universe to keep taking. Taking everything and forcing me to move, live on the street, or couch surf until…I can get a job and get my life sorted.

Michelle keeps talking.

“As for the car.” I swallow hard and picture my parents’ car.

Not just the accident but the road trips and smiles. Felix rubs his thumb over the back of my hand as if sensing my distress.

“The adjuster has designated it a total loss. We will cut you a check for the vehicle’s market value. That is this paperwork.” She moves some papers and taps a pile. “They also had life insurance,” she continues, but focusing is tougher with each word she says.

Ownership of the house. Car handled. My parents’ lives reduced to a check. Just the flick of a pen and turn of a page. I hate this. It should be a huge relief, but there is no relief in my parents planning for after their death.