Little Things

Chapter 41

Today's the day. Harry, Elizabeth and I are going to Holmes Chapel. We decided to fly out on the 22nd so we had time to adjust to the time change and for Harry to show me around.

We flew into London and then drove to Holmes Chapel from there. It was about a 3 hour car ride and I fell asleep for part of it. It was about noon in London, but it was 3am to our bodies. I don't know how Harry traveled around the world for five years. I was exhausted from the 13 hour flight.

By the time we made it to Harry's parents' house he could barely keep his eyes open. I offered to drive but he insisted that he was fine. We pulled into Harry's childhood home and got out of the rental car. I carried Elizabeth while Harry carried some of our luggage.

Harry knocked on the door and Anne swung it open.

"You're here!" she exclaimed, ushering us inside. She gave us both hugs and I handed her Elizabeth. She gave her a kiss on one of her chubby cheeks and Elizabeth smiled.

"How are you two doing?" Anne asked.

"Very tired," Harry answered with a laugh. "Where's Robin?"

"He's at the doctor right now," she replied, sitting on a couch in the living room. Harry and I followed suit and sat across from her. Harry furrowed his eyebrows and I started to rub circles on his back.

"Is everything alright?" I asked.

Anne's eyes were glossy as she answered, "He's been diagnosed with cancer, and we're not sure what stage it's at." I felt all of the air in my lungs leave my body. Harry's eyes filled with tears and his body started to shake.

"Don't cry, Harry," Anne cooed. "Everything will be alright." Harry nodded silently and wiped at his eyes. I kept rubbing his back until he calmed down a bit.

"Enough of that! I bet you two are exhausted," Anne diverted. "Everything is set up for you two in your old room, Harry. I even got out your old crib for Elizabeth."

"You've still got that?" Harry asked in disbelief. Anne nodded with a smile.

"Go get some rest. I'll watch Elizabeth," she ordered. Harry and I both nodded. We carried our bags up to Harry's old room and set them down.

Being in his old room was like a time machine that let me look at how Harry was as a teenager. I saw posters of some of his favorite bands on the blue walls. There was a full size bed with a blue and white plaid duvet and navy blue sheets.

"I think I've got a t-shirt you can wear in a drawer here," Harry said, rummaging through the dresser. He was shaky and moving too quickly.

"Harry," I said cautiously. "Do you want to talk?" He pulled out a plain black t-shirt and handed it to me without looking at me.

"Babe," I continued. Harry was silent as he took of his shirt and jeans to change into sweatpants. I walked over and cupped his face in my hands, forcing him to look me in the eyes.

"Talk to me," I pleaded. Harry's green eyes filled with tears.

"Why does it have to be him, Sara?" Harry cried, tears falling out of his eyes.

"I don't know, but you've got to think positive," I said, wiping a tear away with my thumb. "Maybe it's not terminal. We don't know, but we've got to be optimistic."

Harry nodded. I leaned up to press my lips to his. I tasted the salt from his tears and felt tears burning in my own eyes. Harry put his hands on my waist and molded our lips together. I put one hand on the back of his neck and ran the other through his hair. He pulled away and gave me a weak smile.