The Nursery: Part 2
Maria and Ari are a couple who are trying to navigate life after an unimaginable loss. TW: Child loss and mention of suicide.
Ari had left the office by 5:30. It was a typical gloomy day in Seattle, but he still found it beautiful. There was something stunning about the grey skies that peeked out from behind the old, overgrown trees that lined their street.
I just have to keep it together for her, Ari thought to himself as he drove, both hands gripping the steering wheel as he took deep, calming breaths.
Ari pulled into the garage and lingered in the car for a moment after turning it off. He got out and headed to the side door between the house and garage. He walked in, Sadie greeting him at the door. He kneeled down and grabbed her face in both of his hands and kissed her head. He sat his briefcase down on the island and loosened his tie. Both hands were resting on the island and he hung his head, still taking deep breaths. He looked to his left where the hallway was and paused. He slowly started walking down the hall, pausing before he got to the nursery door that was closed.
His hands trembled as he took a deep breath and opened the door to reveal the beautifully decorated nursery. They had spared no expense when buying items for Rachel. They’d wanted her to have the best of everything. The best crib. The best chair. The best changing table. The best sheets. They didn’t even list the major items they wanted on their registry for their baby shower because they felt bad asking anyone to spend that amount of money on them. Instead, they requested small items only.
Ari walked over to the crib and looked at Rachel’s blanket that was folded and hanging over the side. His eyes burned with tears as he reached for it. He pressed the blanket to his face and inhaled as he closed his eyes. He’d once read that scent was the most powerful of all the senses. He smelled the blanket again, desperate to be transported back in time when everything was perfect.
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