Train Wreck

thirty four

Remington POV

Peach was napping on Alice's lap by the time the movie began.  Their breathing seemed to sync and I had a hard time not just staring as Lissy had a peaceful look on her face, newly adopted dog resting like she had always been part of their lives.  Benji nudge me and smiled, looking on as well, before whispering, "I'm glad Peach is happy here."

So was I.

It was no surprise that this mixed breed dog that was new to us made her home in this castle.  There was so much love and hope in these walls.  I could feel the kaleidoscope that Lissy brought out in others.  She was fighting so hard to make a home out of this rental house but it was working.  The effort was paying off for the rest of us but I could see its impact in the dark circles under her eyes and how painful even basic movements were.

She was barely holding herself together.

Alice needed a break.

It was more of a concern than I could express so I tried to pull Doc aside and ask what to do. She just told me to keep a close eye and trust Liss to know her body, but that's not enough. This woman has always pushed herself too hard for Benji's sake and will do the same for me.  The sacrifice is appreciated but I don't want to see her lose that bright shine just because she is so busy working to make life better for us.

Seeing her try to walk away earlier shook me more than I ever expected. Something broke inside me at the thought that she would just leave me without a word, just like my mom did.

Of course she wouldn't.

Lissy would never abandon me.

I know that logically, but my heart shattered at the idea that she would put space between us when I needed her close.

There is a push and pull between our emotions that we are both trying to manage.

Of course this would cause a struggle.

We are both adults that are used to running our lives a certain way.  She has always handled things with Benji and now has my voice to impact her choices.  I'm a lone wolf that has never even considered what it would be like to have a family.

I need to be patient with myself but also with her.

Before long I was also relaxing against the couch cushions, Peach's body now resting against my leg as she sighed and shifted.  Lissy did the same, moving to her side so her cheek now rested against the couch cushion in her sleep.

"Is she okay?" Benji's voice behind me was quiet but full of concern.

I stared at her face, lips softly parted and cheeks rosy from the warmth Peach was radiating.

Will she be okay? Really? Will any of us be okay after this is over?

My eyes went to my dad as he napped in his wheelchair and Benji cleared his throat, "Remi... is Liss going to be okay?"

The urgency was clear in his voice and snapped me from my thoughts. I turned to look at him fully and let out a long breath to buy myself a moment to think.  "I hope so. She's exhausted and just needs to give her body a break."

He shook his head, grabbing the remote to pause the movie a moment. "I want a sandwich."

Daisy turned her head sharply at his words and watched him hobble into the kitchen. "That's not good..." she softly muttered.

"What?" I asked, trying to keep my voice down.

"He's worried and eating because he's anxious."

Her words washed over me and my stomach growled as if on cue. Daisy laughed, "Wow, you two really are related, aren't you?"