We’ll Meet Again Someday

Riana slept soundly through the night until a knock on the door woke her. She thought she was dreaming at first as she blinked her eyes open, looked at the clock, and saw that it was after 9:30. But it seemed like she’d fallen asleep only minutes ago! “Hang on,” she called out as she rose from the bed. She threw on her sky-blue robe and opened the door. “Hi,” said Audra. “Hi,” Riana said, adjusting the belt of her robe. She was surprised at how well Audra looked. She expected to find her eyes swollen and red, her hair a mess, and for her to be in a robe as well. Instead, she seemed her usual bright-eyed, alert self as if nothing had happened. Her hair was neatly gathered at the nape of her neck, and there wasn’t a wrinkle to be found in her colorful dress. Even a touch of makeup was present. Perhaps she was doing it for Emma’s sake—nothing worried a child more than when one of their parents seemed to be falling apart, and she’d just lost a parent. “How are you doing today?” Riana asked. “Alright. Did I wake you?” “Actually, you did, but that’s fine. I should be up by now anyway. Can I do anything for you or Emma?” “No, not at the moment. We’re both going to be taking the week off. I just came to see how you were holding up.” Riana was surprised by the question. She wasn’t the one who’d just lost a husband. Wasn’t she the wrong person to be asked this? “Well, I was more tired than I thought, so I slept in. I didn’t do much after I came back last night—just showered, went online until my hair dried, then I was out cold.” Audra almost slipped by saying that, yeah, she knew she’d been online because she’d read her last journal entry. Instead, she said, “We slept pretty late ourselves.” “That’s plenty understandable.” “We’re going to be home all day, and soon we’re having a late breakfast. We’d like it very much if you could join us.” Riana smiled gratefully. “Oh, Audra, that’s so sweet of you. And with me not winning much, I’d really love to. It’s just that I’d hate to feel as if I were taking advantage of you, and I thought you and Emma would want some family time alone.” “You can’t take advantage of what someone willingly offers you. Besides, what kind of help would my top housekeeper and special buddy be if I let her go hungry? Emma and I have plenty of time to be by ourselves.” Riana hesitated. “Seriously, Riana, words can’t express how much I appreciate the help you’ve been. I’m not sure I could have managed without you.” “Oh, I’m sure you could have. You’re not only a strong person, but you’ve got lots of family and friends supporting you.” “That’s true,” Audra acknowledged as she turned to leave. “Well, I’ll leave it up to you. We’re warming the food up now. Get dressed or come as you are. It’s up to you.” “Why not?” Riana said, following Audra through the yard barefoot, the human body’s need for food is always a driving force. Emma was the only one who appeared as if something tragic had happened. Her mother remained bright and cheery as if it were just another ordinary day. “I can take care of things. Why don’t you two relax at the table and just tell me what you want, and I’ll serve it right up,” Riana offered. “It’s already done,” Emma said hoarsely. “We’re just having muffins and coffee.” Emma carried a pitcher of orange juice to the table and sat down. “The muffins are on the table,” Audra said. “You can just pour us all some coffee if you’d like.” “Sure,” said Riana. “The cream and sugar are already on the table, too.” Riana poured Emma’s cup first and brought it to her. She weakly thanked her and then went to fetch her and Audra’s. When she returned, she took a seat next to Audra across from Emma. “There are blueberry and banana-nut muffins,” Audra said. “Help yourself.” Riana selected a blueberry muffin and watched Emma nibble on her own as if it were the worst thing she’d ever tasted and she was trying not to get sick from it. The threesome sat in a kind of silence that was noticeably uncomfortable, but mostly sad. Riana was at a loss for words. Just what do you say to someone in a situation like this? Emma finally put down her muffin, having eaten very little, and asked to be excused. “Sure, honey,” said Audra. After she was gone, Audra turned to Riana and said, “Just us two now.” “Yeah,” said Riana, again amazed by Audra’s chipper mood. “Are you sure there’s nothing I can help with before I go job-hunting?” “Job-hunting?” Audra asked, almost as if she found the idea a bit offensive. “Why would you go job-hunting?” Riana blinked. Was Audra’s grief over losing her husband fouling up her memory? “Well, you know how the sweeps have been. They haven’t been good at all—too much competition these days. While I certainly appreciate all you’ve done for me and you keeping food in my stomach, I know I should be more independent.” “Well, you can do what you want, Riana,” said Audra, obviously not thrilled by the idea, “but I think you’re plenty independent enough, and sparing one extra person some food is hardly an issue for me. I don’t mean to sound conceited or like I’m bragging, but I make pretty good money, and then there’s the life insurance policy we took out on James many years ago.” “Are you sure? Because I won’t lie to you—I’d much rather work at home, especially since I don’t drive.” “I’m positive,” Audra said with a smile. Then she gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “And I’m also all alone now. No one can ever replace James, and I may have my share of friends and family members who care about Emma and me, but it sure would be nice to know I could count on your friendship and support. You know you’re special to me.” “Of course. You have my friendship and support.” “Once again, you can do what you want as far as other jobs go, but it’s an election year, and that’s part of why the economy is bad. Once the president is elected in a couple of months, you’ll start winning again.” “I hope you’re right. In the meantime, I guess it couldn’t hurt to give it a few more months and see what happens.” Riana left the house a short while later, thinking that if she didn’t know any better, she’d think Audra was almost glad James was gone just so she could have a clear shot at her.