My parents, Lily and Frank Coleman, got married 21 years ago. According to Dad, they were always happy together and loved to spend much of their free time outside the house, going to restaurants, movies, bars, or parties with their many friends. Trips that lasted up to a week at a time were also on their wish list, and from the stories and photos, I knew they went abroad to Canada, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and even Vietnam. They also made shorter trips to multiple destinations in the lower 48.
It all changed when Mom was in late pregnancy, and was not allowed to travel far from the hospital. After delivering me, she breastfed me for 3 months and again, was limited to only short duration and short distance trips. These months of hardly moving from the house began to affect my parent's mood and strained their relationship.
Then the savior arrived; Rose, Mom's younger sister, who lived by herself close by, volunteered to be my babysitter, and 6 months after I was born, Mom and Dad renewed their outdoor fun, including trips that lasted up to 3 days at a time.
I loved my aunt Rose. She was always cheerful, giggly, and playful. We used to play all kinds of games, from Monopoly to hide and seek. Her patience with my constantly needing attention was admirable, because I wasn't an easy child. I liked to play tricks on her and be naughty. Rose spent a lot of time explaining to me how to behave and what NOT to do. I started appreciating her devotion to me only later, and my bond with her strengthened.
When I was in high school, I saw aunt Rose less often. She visited our house about once a week on weekends. On occasion, she asked for my help at her house when a shelf fell down or her lawn needed mowing. Most of my free time I spent with friends or on my computer, but until my junior year, I still visited her once a week for a chat. My aunt used to serve me soda with a piece of my favorite chocolate cake.
Rose has worked in our local Apple store since 2014. Two years ago, she was promoted to creative lead on condition that she moved to Portland, Oregon. We were sorry she left, but understood her career was important to her. Without a husband or children to worry about, she just needed to sell her house. We helped, and her transfer to Oregon was relatively simple, although we knew that starting over in her 30s would not be easy: She knew no-one in her new place.
...
After finishing my sophomore year in college, I was a week into our summer vacation when we got a call from Rose. We haven't spoken to her in almost a month. Mom talked to her first, and I heard half sentences, "... what?!... when?... why didn't you call earlier?... Rosie, silly goose, of course we'll help."
Mom looked pale. She gave me the phone and mumbled, "Rosie had a car accident 2 weeks ago. Her 2 legs are broken in multiple places. She will be discharged from the hospital the day after tomorrow and asked if one of us can help her for a few days, until she finds a caretaker who will take over. She went through surgery with metal plates and has casts on both legs."
I grabbed the phone, "Rose, I thought our relationship was better than that. Why didn't you tell us earlier? We would have visited you, brought tasty meals, unlike the hospital's tasteless healthy junk, and bought reading material."
Her cheerful laugh raised a lot of happy memories. She said, "Honey, why bother you? I was cared for by the nice staff in the orthopedic department, and I didn't need anything. Initially, there were days I felt miserable and suffered pain, but you guys could not help in that regard. I got narcotics and later analgesics, and in the last 5 days I feel much better. I do physical therapy every day, and already feel the difference. However, once I am back at home, I'll need some help from carrying my groceries to daily exercise, and even in the shower."
"Rose, I am on vacation now. I can stay at your place and help the best I can for at least a week, maybe more."
"Eli honey, after a rigorous year in college, you deserve your free time with your buddies and a girlfriend if you have one."
"Auntie, stop worrying about me. Our vacation lasts months. Mom and Dad are scheduled to fly to Costa Rica next week, so it's either me or... me. Which one you choose?..."
"Darling, I missed you a lot. I talked to you on the phone a couple of times, but haven't seen you in ages. You are probably much taller than me now."
I giggled, "Rose, last time I saw you, you were 5'4". I am 6' now. Since I am taller and likely stronger than you, I do not want to hear you arguing. Tell me where the spare key is, and I'll be at your house tomorrow to ensure it's ready for your arrival. The following day, I'll come to the hospital to bring you home."
She hesitated, "Honey, you are a good boy, but don't you think staying with me for a week will be too much?..."
"Rose, as I said; I do not want to hear arguments. I am your new boss now. Take it or... take it." Her familiar, joyful laugh almost made me forget her health situation.
...
The next day, I flew to Oregon. At the airport I rented a car for a week and drove half an hour to her house in the Hillsdale part of Portland. It was a nice single story building with a large green yard. The key was buried in the soil inside one of the pots by the door.
As I opened the door, heavy air welcomed me; it was due to the place being closed without air movement for several weeks. I opened the windows, letting fresh air into the house, emptied the smelly garbage cans into a large container outside, and checked the fridge. It was stinky. I removed everything and cleaned the inside. I threw out the milk, eggs, and the prepared meal, which sat for too long in the fridge. Then I got rid of the rotten vegetables and fruits and made a list of products to buy at the supermarket. After placing baking soda in the fridge and opening all the faucets for a few moments, I showered, rested for an hour, and did some shopping for needed food. When I was done in the house, I checked the outside. I cleaned the driveway and even cut the grass. By the evening, I was tired. I grabbed a sandwich and called Rose at the hospital.
She answered immediately, "Hi Eli, have you arrived at my house yet?"
"Yes. The house is ready for your arrival. When will they let you leave? I rented a car and will pick you up."
"I am not sure yet. They say it will be late morning, but the discharge orders have not been filled yet. It's better if you stay at my home and wait for my call. The drive will take you about 20 minutes. I'll be sitting by the entrance to the Emergency Department."
...
As per her updated discharge time, I was by the ED at 2:30 pm and saw a familiar smiley face sitting by the open door. She wore a long robe that hid everything below her neck. I grabbed her stuff and loaded it in the luggage before approaching Rose. She stared at me, "Honey, is it really you? What happened to the cute little boy I used to babysit?... You turned into a tall stud!"
I grinned, "Rose, you don't have to flatter me."
As I helped her stand and lean on her crutches, she said, "It wasn't a compliment. It was the truth. You look like the mature guy I always fantasized about, who was supposed to marry me and carry me over the threshold..."
I smiled, "Auntie, in my heart I always had a sweet spot for you. Once we are home, I'll carry you over the doorstep."
Her carefree giggle was contagious, and soon we laughed together. During the drive home, we hardly talked. Now and then, we gazed at each other. Her face was still cute as before, with a few new wrinkles near her eyes and a couple of white hair.
I stopped by the front door, opened it, and returned to Rose, who struggled to get out of her seat. I placed my arms under her and carried her through the open door. She chuckled, "Eli, you are very strong. My weight before the accident was 130 pounds, and after eating the lousy hospital food, I would have weighed less, but with the metal plates in my legs, I probably weigh a ton."
"Not really. I'd say about 135 pounds at the most. Anyway, what would you like to do now? Shower? Rest? Eat?"
"I'd love a small sandwich with a cup of coffee, but the milk in the fridge is rotten, so tea is fine."
"Ma'am, I took care of the fridge and did basic shopping. What would you like on your sandwich?"
"Anything will do - cheese, salami, tuna, jam, whatever is easier to make."
"Coming right up."
Using the Keurig machine, I prepared coffee for both of us, and made 2 sandwiches: The first with gouda cheese and green olives on top, and the other with butter, hard salami, and sliced tomatoes.
Rose watched me in awe working in the kitchen and blurted, "Honey, if my math is correct, you must be 20. However, with your looks, dedication, and abilities in the kitchen, I'd say you are ready to get married."
I joked, "Rose, does it mean that if I propose to you, you'd accept?"
She giggled, "I'd love to do it, but I am too old for you."
"I do not see it as a hurdle. I was always fascinated by mature women."
"Well, honey, I'll keep it in mind. Tell me a little about your current life."
