So I gather her in my arms, and I let her cry.
It’s almost shocking how much I missed the first time I was at Harlan’s house. Then again, I was laser-focused on his daughter. And okay, yeah, a little distracted by Noah and his role in their lives. So I only soaked up a few surface impressions. I could tell Harlan was clever and kind. I figured he was probably safe here on his own at leastsomeof the time. Otherwise, Loren would never leave. Still, I could tell those other times, the times he shouldn’t be alone anymore, came with a cost.
And not just financial.
Today, I take in more details. Like his desk in the corner, cluttered by mail and old coffee cups. The pots with no plants in them. Loren’s school portraits hung around the fireplace. There are thirteen of them in matching frames. Kindergarten through twelfth grade. The wall is a time capsule of missing teeth, crooked pigtails, braces. Questionable bangs.
All of them are adorable. And all of them urge me to shelter the little girl she used to be. Not to mention the woman she became. The one perched on the couch right now, talking to her father.
For the record, she let me read Noah’s texts before we came inside.
NOAH
Big H was awesome last night - into his exercises - firing on all (most) cylinders - but he called me this morning asking why I bailed on him. Sounded confused when I told him I’d been there.
I’m gonna stop by on my way to Havenwood to check on him.
Joanna told me you two talked. I’ll be with your dad again tonight if you need moral support when you bring up the move. You’ve got this, Lo.
I was so distracted by Noah’s use of her nickname, I tripped on the welcome mat and almost landed on top of Harlan when he opened the door.
So that went well.
Meanwhile, Loren’s managed to remain pretty calm since we arrived. I’d like to think having me here with her helps. But the truth is, she’s strong all on her own. After years of caring for both her parents, she knows the best way to handle this conversation.
Even if it’s hard.
So far, she’s gotten Harlan to admit that being here by himself can be lonely sometimes. He also copped to setting off the smoke detectors on occasion because he’sa bit too enthusiasticat the stove. Now, he just joked that he and the stairs are currentlyin the process of negotiations.
Loren frowns. “Have you fallen, Dad?”
“Not to worry.” He waves away her question. “I’m down here most of the day, anyway.”
So she reminds him she won’t be able to be here much once school starts again. And that she’s still committed to tutoring a few students throughout the summer.
“Such a hard worker,” he says with a smile. “Just like your mother. You’re just as beautiful, too.” Then he chuckles. “But I don’t need a babysitter, kiddo.”
“Of course not, Dad. But you could use some friends.”
And this is her opening to tell him about Havenwood.
She focuses on the beauty of the grounds, the enrichment activities, their state-of-the-art medical services. Then she explains that a spot there could be his this weekend.Ifhe wants it. He’d still have his independence, but also plenty of companionship. Plus multiple dining options. Fitness centers. Physical therapy.
Noah.
At this, Harlan lights up. “Noah’s at Havenwood full-timenow,” he tells her. “He’s directing their entire program, I think.”
“You’re right.” Loren nods. “Which means he won’t be able to work with you here at home anymore. If you lived there, though, you’d see him all the time for your regular appointments. Just like you do now. Except with better equipment.” She hesitates for a moment, then goes on, spelling out the benefits plainly. “Someone else would be doing the cooking and cleaning and laundry. No more setting off smoke detectors. And no stairs. Plus, you’d have people around you all the time. Which you love.”
“Huh.” He takes a beat, and Loren gives him time to process. “So we’d be paying Havenwood, and they’d be paying Noah.”
“Exactly.”
His glance skips over to his desk piled with papers and coffee cups. “And everything else is included?”
“Literally everything, Dad.”
She tells him if he’d like to see what living at Havenwood is like, he could bring his clothes and whatever personal items he needs—pictures, books, that kind of thing—but the rest of the household stuff would stay here, because his new place comes fully furnished.