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She said she was going to work and she never came back.
Melissa tried–she really did–to move on, to grieve and accept her son was gone. And even when he’s right in front of her, her husband was gone too.
If she stayed here, watching her husband fall asleep in their son’s bed–grasping onto his Batman sheets as a lifeline, she would slowly wither away and die.
Archer hadn’t slowed down enough to accept the reality. He kept falling asleep in the bed that was too small for him after spending every waking hour searching for their boy.
He didn’t even notice she was gone until after everything went down. He carried Matthew into their home. Smiling for the first time in weeks, he ran through the house calling for Melissa to share the good news. But there was no response. Archer collapsed on the couch next to Matthew. He put his arm around his son, “Sorry, buddy. Mom’s not home, but I know she loves you.” He tried to believe his own words when he said, “She’ll be back” but deep down, he knew it wasn’t true.
Matthew was struggling, but he could walk short distances and eat some solid foods, but he still had trouble speaking. It was hard for Archer to see this, but he loves his son and wants to help him become himself again.
***
Justine dropped by one day, inviting Archer and Matthew to a support group of a sort. Since the school hadn’t hired her back, Justine wanted to give back. She wanted to teach the kids–her kids– from the comfort of her own home, since they couldn’t go back to school yet.
When she showed up at Archer’s house, Justine looked down at the ground, arms wrapped around her body. She stood in Archer’s doorway until he reached out with a hand on her shoulder and a quiet smile. She smiled back–apprehensive at first, but slowly growing more comfortable.
Archer kept his hand on her shoulder, relishing in the feeling of reaching out and touching another person. Someone who understands everything he went through and knows the truth. He finally realized and removed his hand, an apology forming as he opened his mouth, but he held it back when he saw her smile. He smiled back.
***
Justine smiled as she opened her door. Archer stood right in front of her. Matthew kept his distance, slightly nervous to be out in the world. Away from the comfort of being home with his dad taking care of him.
Justine nodded toward Matthew before turning back to Archer, “I’m glad you could come. Uh, nobody else is really accepting me yet.”
Archer stood almost too close to Justine, his hand resting on her arm, “Hey, Justine. I’m so sorry. I wish I could take back everything I said.”
She shook her head, “Don’t worry about it. They’ll come around. I mean, you did. And if they don’t, that’s fine too.”
Justine stepped out of the doorway, letting them in. Justine smiled down at Matthew. He was standing up, but with a far off look in his eyes. Justine said, “Nice to see you again, Matthew. Sorry none of the other kids showed up, but I'm happy you’re here.” Matthew struggled but managed to let out a small smile.
It became a routine. Archer brought Matthew over to Justine’s house. She slowly worked with him, letting him learn at his own pace. Even though his speech wasn’t fully back and he struggled a little with eating, he was getting better. Slowly but surely. At first, it was only soup, but after a while, he could handle mashed potatoes, oatmeal, apple sauce, and now he was eating more and more solid foods.
Justine sat at her kitchen table with Matthew across from her. He looked up at her with an expression that seemed almost scared and slowly spoke, “I’m sorry.”
Justine looked concerned, “You don’t have anything to be sorry for.”
Matthew stretched his fingers, still getting used to making them move on his own accord. “I do.”
He smiled at his teacher. “I was a bad kid.”
Justine walked across the table and wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed his head.
***
Justine paced around her house, still not used to the quiet from not having a job to go to. She grabbed a glass from her cabinet. She walked to her freezer, hand reached out to the ice cube tray before changing her mind and slamming the door closed. She sat the glass down and filled it with an amber liquid she’d been relying on more than ever. But a knock on her door made her jump, the glass almost falling out of her hands. Instead, she poured it down the drain and went to answer the door. She already knew who it would be. The only person who wants her integrated back into their community. Even though he ostracized her in the first place.
Justine opened the door, “Hey, Archer. Where’s Matthew today?”
Archer smiled–the first big, bright smile in months, “They, uh, let him go back to school. He’s walking long distances now and speaking in short sentences.”
“Wow, that’s wonderful. I’m happy for the both of you.”
Archer ran his fingers through his hair, “Thank you. I…I wish they let you back too.”
Justine shook her head, “It’s fine. I get it. I’ve been looking for a new job. Tutoring online to pay the bills.”
Archer sighed, “Is there anything I can do to help? I talked to the principal, but they weren’t ready to listen.”
Justine walked toward Archer, placing her hand on his chest. He closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug and instinctively kissed the top of her head. She furrowed her brow, but this quickly faded away and she smiled up at him before tilting her head up and kissing him on the lips. He stammered, trying to let his brain catch up with his mouth, but before anything could come out, Justine laughed. A bright, joyful laugh. He couldn’t help but smile, and pull her into his side again, wanting to keep her close. They both needed to feel the warmth and maybe sticking together was the only way they could.
***
Months later, Justine met Archer at a small diner. She reached across the laminate table and grabbed his hand. She smiled up at him, not caring if everyone in their small town could see. Her coffee was filled with a little cream, but nothing extra from the flask she used to carry everywhere she went. Archer chuckled, refusing to hide the happiness he was finally feeling.
Justine pulled back and tilted her head to the side, “I actually have some news. Uh...I got one of the jobs I applied for. It’s the next town over, but they actually want me. I’m going to get to teach again.”
Archer wished everyone in Maybrook would welcome Justine back into their community, like he had. But knowing how stubborn everyone is, like he used to be, Archer knew this was the best they could hope for. At least for now. Maybe years down the road, when everyone from her class was well-adjusted and speaking eloquently, maybe then the town of Maybrook would finally let her back in.