We lay awake for a while, our hands still intertwined. I admired the tattoo on my ring finger bearing his name. He had one of my name on his finger, too. The permanent markings were the perfect symbolism for what we were: bound for life.
He took my hand to his mouth and kissed it. “I liked what you said earlier, that we might have known each other before and that we’d be together again someday.”
“Yeah.” I smiled. “Make sure you keep an eye out for me in the next life, Green.”
“Baby, I’d recognize you anywhere.”
***
The moonlight glowed onto Jake’s face as he slept through the sound of Kennedy’s voice coming in through the monitor. My hardened breasts tingled as milk trickled out of my nipples with every cry. It was time for her 4 a.m. feeding.
Rubbing my eyes and yawning, I reluctantly lifted myself out of the warm bed and headed down the hall.
“Shh, sweetie, it’s okay. I’m here. I’m—” My words abruptly stopped once I noticed it.
Wow.
Wow.
Wow.
I covered my mouth in surprise before lifting Kennedy to my breast, needing her to stop crying so that I could just marvel at it in peace and quiet.
Just…wow.
Over a dozen pink origami bats hung in rows from a mobile high above her crib. I reached out and lightly touched one of them. The paper that each had been made from was much thicker than the construction kind he used to use.
When had he found the time to do this?
“So, this was the surprise, huh?” I whispered down to her, kissing her little chest that smelled like Dreft baby detergent.
Sitting in the padded rocker, I put my feet up on the ottoman and just stared at the mobile in awe until Kennedy finished feeding.
When I finally looked away from it, I noticed a lone black bat sitting atop the changing table.
With Kennedy still in my arm, I walked over to it and unfolded the paper.
It’s been a long time,
Since you’ve heard me rhyme.
But I’ve been watching you.
And all you’ve been through.
I came back to let you know,
You’ll forever be my hero.
You’ve done good, kid.
Love always, Mr. Bat
My lips curved into a wide smile as I clutched the bat to my chest. I placed Kennedy back in the crib and looked up at the mobile. Noticing for the first time that there was a plastic knob at the top, I began to wind it.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star started playing as the bats slowly turned round and round. Kennedy’s wide eyes were transfixed on them as she cooed, kicking her little legs and flashing what looked awfully like a smile.
Footsteps crept up behind me. Strong tattooed arms wrapped around my torso and rocked me slowly to the music.
Complete and utter peace.
It may have taken my entire life, but I was finally learning to live in the moment. This one may have been the best of all.
THE END