Page 177 of Seasons of Love
“I moved after my mom died and Mikey left. I couldn’t afford the rent.”
Gloria looks down at her hands.
“I was wondering if they made contact with you. If they came to see you.” She takes a tissue from her handbag and wipes a tear. “I’m already expecting the worse, but I just want to know something. Anything that gives me hope or closure.”
Milo’s hand is shaking under the table. He looks at me, and I hope he can see that I know how strong he is.
He moves to the chair next to Gloria’s.
“I’m so sorry.”
As soon as Milo says the words, it’s clear Gloria understands their meaning.
“Yes, Mikey came home and brought with him this really amazing girl who became a little sister to me,” Milo continues.
I watch in awe of Milo’s courage, once again sharing the story he told me only a couple of weeks ago. He just leaves out a baby-sized detail, which I can’t blame him for.
Gloria cries, holding on to Milo.
“Thank you for telling me. I can go home now and move on with my life.” She takes a deep breath and stills herself. “At least I know she was happy and loved until the end, right?”
Milo looks at me, and I nod, hoping to convey how much I am here for him.
“Gloria, there’s someone I’d like you to meet, but first, would you like to see Sienna?”
Gloria nods, still holding Milo’s hands. “My car is at the B&B.”
“We can take you in my car,” I offer.
The drive to the cemetery is silent. Milo is so tense next to me that I’m afraid to touch him, even though I want nothing else but to offer him some comfort. I know he isn’t going to relax until he sees Gloria’s reaction to Sara.
I give them space as they visit the grave, but I remain within earshot.
It’s so painful to see Milo go through the emotions he’s had to deal with all on his own for the last nine months, and it’s hard to tell if Gloria’s presence is a good or a bad one.
“Before I leave, I’ll come back with some flowers. Your favorite,” Gloria says, touching the stone with Sienna’s name. “Thank you for bringing me here, Milo. I’m sure you know how much it means to me to see where she’s laid to rest.”
“This isn’t our last stop,” Milo says. “Remember I said there was someone I wanted you to meet?”
Gloria follows us to the car again.
When we get to Milo’s place, it’s clear he’s nervous.
“Gloria, would you give us a moment?” I ask.
“Of course.”
I walk outside with him. “Baby, you’ve got this. It’s the right thing to do.”
He nods. “I know. She seems like a nice person.”
“She does. And remember, I’m here for you.” I give him a kiss of encouragement. “Go get your daughter.”
I walk back inside, where Gloria is sitting at the kitchen table.
Milo comes in a minute later with Sara.
“Gloria, this is Sara. She’s your granddaughter.”
