Chapter 315

After days of relentless rain and snow, the sun finally broke through this morning. Rosie finished breakfast and settled into the recliner by the window, facing outside. With the New Year approaching, the normally quiet nursing home felt even emptier than usual. But today, a buzz of activity filled the courtyard; faint laughter drifted in.

“Ms. Miller,” a caregiver approached, offering a glass of water. “You should drink some.”

“Thank you,” Rosie replied, holding the glass. “What’s happening outside? It sounds lively.”

“Some folks are flying kites! The weather’s lovely today,” the caregiver said, glancing at the bright sun. “Why don’t we step outside for some fresh air?”

Since her fall into the water, Rosie had mostly stayed indoors, so fresh air wouldn't hurt. “Is that okay?” she asked, a flicker of apprehension in her voice. She was afraid something might happen again.

“Don’t worry,” the caregiver reassured her with a confident grin. “We’ll just stay in the courtyard. This time, I’ll keep a firm grip on you, I promise.” She laughed.

Rosie smiled. “Alright then.”

As they stepped outside, the sounds of laughter grew louder. Rosie smiled. “Looks like there are a lot of people.”

“Yep,” the caregiver replied. “Our courtyard’s spacious, and folks from other areas have joined us. Plus, there are caregivers and staff, too.”

“It’s really lively,” Rosie chimed in.

The caregiver grinned. “Ms. Miller, do you want to fly a kite?”

“Can we do that?” Rosie felt a twinge of excitement. “But we don’t have a kite.”

“They’re handing them out over there,” the caregiver said, linking her arm through Rosie’s. “Come on, let’s grab one!”

“Sounds good!”

They hurried over and picked up a kite. The caregiver looked a little nervous. “How do we fly it?”

Rosie chuckled. “You don’t know how to fly a kite?”

The caregiver shook her head, laughing at herself. “I was too caught up in the excitement!”

Rosie remembered Daniel teaching her, but with her impaired vision and limited mobility, it wasn’t so easy.

“I’ll handle it,” a familiar voice said, and an arm reached out. Mr. Flynn. The caregiver gulped, silently handing him the kite.

“Y-you…” Rosie tilted her head. Her hearing had sharpened since losing her sight; she recognized the voice. Her brows furrowed. “You’re… the gentleman who saved me last time, right?”

“Yeah,” Howard nodded, relieved she remembered. He wasn't one for small talk.

Rosie straightened. “Thank you for what you did.”

“You’ve already thanked me,” Howard brushed it off, picking up the kite. “You wanted to fly a kite, but it’s too crowded here. Let’s go where it’s less busy.”

With a subtle gesture, the caregiver understood and took Rosie’s arm. “Ms. Miller, let’s head that way.”

“Okay.” Rosie couldn’t see, but she could tell the voices were quieter now.

Once they reached a quieter spot, Howard said, “I’ll set up the kite. Just stay put.”

“Alright,” Rosie answered, nodding. She then asked her caretaker, “What’s happening?”

The caretaker explained, “The gentleman is running with the kite now. He hasn’t launched it yet… Oh! It’s almost ready! It’s taking off!”

“Really!” Rosie felt joy, but also disappointment. “It’s a shame I can’t see it.” Now blind, she couldn’t even fly a kite herself.

Howard, running with the kite, approached and discreetly waved at the caregiver. The caregiver nodded and stepped back.

“Amy,” Rosie realized, feeling the empty space where the caregiver had been. Panicked, she reached out. “Where’d you go? Are you alright?”

Her hand found another – warm, broad, masculine fingers wrapped around hers. Rosie gasped, trying to pull away, but the stranger held her steady. “Wait, it’s me.”

“You…” Rosie recognized her neighbor’s voice and felt relief, but then wondered why he was holding her.

“Here,” Howard handed her the spool of thread. “Hold onto this. Have you ever flown one before?”

“Yeah,” Rosie nodded hesitantly. “But I can’t see anything.”

“No worries,” Howard said gently. “There’s no one else here, and it’s wide open. You can run a bit, and I’ll be right here. You won’t get hurt.”

Rosie felt a surge of excitement. “Then I’ll give it a shot.” The worst that could happen was a stumble; she’d been blind so long, and she itched to move.

“Great,” Howard smiled softly. “Go for it.”

Rosie gripped the spool and took her first steps. Howard stayed close. “This way, with the wind at your back.”

“Got it.” Rosie nodded, pulling the thread as she ran, gaining speed. The cold air hit her face, refreshing and liberating; a smile bloomed.

On the lawn’s edge, Josiah stood watching, his gaze increasingly icy. He said nothing. Soon, Howard noticed him.

“Hey,” Howard waved to the caregiver, who understood and approached.

“You stay with her,” Howard instructed.

“Sure thing.”

Howard walked towards Josiah.

“Oh,” Rosie slowed, turning to the caregiver. “He’s leaving.”

“Yes, he has something to attend to,” the caregiver replied.

Rosie frowned. “Amy, who is he?”

“Well…” the caregiver chuckled nervously. “I don’t really know. He lives next door.”

In his room, Josiah lounged on the couch, his eyes sweeping the space. He smirked. “So, Howard, you’ve settled here, huh?”

Howard frowned. “Can you speak properly?”

“Sure.” Josiah’s expression turned serious. He sat up straight, locking eyes with his brother. “But first, you need to tell me what you think about Rosie.” He couldn’t shake the image of Howard with her, flying a kite. That look… the look a man gives a woman he’s interested in.

Howard glanced at Josiah, his gaze dark and contemplative. “Josiah, Rosie is Robby’s mom.”

“That was obvious,” Josiah shot back, his temper flaring. “I didn’t need you to spell it out!”

“Wait a second…” Josiah pieced it together, staring in disbelief. “Howard, are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

“Yeah,” Howard nodded slowly.

“You’ve lost your mind!” Josiah jumped up, shocked. “You actually have feelings for her? What about Yvette? You promised her…”

“We broke up,” Howard said calmly.