Page 31 of A Lapse in Time

When he got close enough, he pulled me into his arms.

"How was therapy?" He leaned down and kissed me.

"Mommy!" Nia's head was out of the window, and I laughed.

"Sit back in your seat. Mommy's coming."

Nia poked her lips out, but she sat back in her seat.

I looked at Noah and smiled. "Therapy was good. I feel like Dr. Mitchell could help get me back on the right track. I think you'll like her too."

"That's good. Let's go home. Nia and I have a surprise for you."

I squinted my eyes at him because I couldn't think of what they had for me. It had only been an hour since I left them, so they couldn't have gone too far.

"Don't overthink it. The quicker you get home, the quicker you can see it." He winked and opened the car door for me.

As soon as I got in, Nia practically jumped into the front seat.

"Mommy, I missed you."

I wrapped my arms around her and kissed all over her face. "I missed you too."

"Get in your seat so we can show mommy her surprise," Noah told Nia.

"Okay!" She quickly moved to the back seat, and I turned around to help with her seat belt. She knew how to do it but still needed assistance.

Noah turned the car on, then grabbed my hand before pulling away from the building.

Therapy wasn't what I expected, but I was happy that I went, and I looked forward to my next session.

Carsyn looked lighterwhen she came out of the therapist's office. I was glad she had a good session and prayed I'd have the same outcome. While she was there, Nia and I drove to a local embroidery shop to pick up the gift I had custom-made for Carsyn. Nia helped me pick out the things I needed for it but didn't know what it was or who it was for, or else she would have told Carsyn days ago. I hoped she liked it, and it helped put the puzzle pieces back together for her.

"So, what did you guys get for me?" Carsyn asked when we pulled into our driveway.

"You've never been too good at having patience," I teased.

Carsyn cut her eyes at me, but I just shrugged and laughed.

Nia took her seat belt off and was anxious to exit the car.

I got out, then walked around to open Carsyn's door, then helped Nia out. The three of us walked inside the house, and Nia couldn't wait to get the box that held Carsyn's gift.

Carsyn and I took our shoes off by the door and headed into the living room.

"It must be something special," Carsyn guessed as she sat on the couch.

"It is." I sat next to her just as Nia ran back into the living room, dragging the box.

"Here, Mommy." Nia slid the box in Carsyn's direction and climbed onto the couch.

Carsyn looked at me and then at the box before leaning over and ripping the wrapping paper off. I anxiously watched as she pulled back the tape that kept the box closed. I wasn't sure if it was something that could trigger her or something she would be thankful for.

Carsyn slowly pulled the item out of the box. It took her a minute to process what it was.

"That's me, Mommy!" Nia excitedly pointed.

"It is," Carsyn whispered. Her voice wavered, and I knew she would cry any minute.

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