Chapter Eight
Goodbye is Never Easy
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Adam woke up suddenly, startled from a dream that had already escaped his thoughts. He closed his eyes trying to replay the flashes. As his breathing returned to normal, he got up and got a glass of water from the kitchen. Dawn was breaking and he took the opportunity to splash some water on his face to kick start the day. He was never truly rested on mornings he dreamed that hectically. Adam got his favorite coffee mug out and started brewing a pot of Santa’s White Christmas.
As it started brewing he could hear Rae stirring in bed but she remained asleep. However, Damien was a classically trained chef. Spending sixteen hours in a kitchen day in and day out for years caused him to be overly sensitive to smells and tastes. By the time the pot was done brewing Damien joined Adam at the island. “You like your coffee the same?” Adam asked, pouring two cups. “Black is fine. I’m cutting out sugar as much as I can.” Adam handed over the cup and doctored up his coffee with a dash of Italian Sweet Cream.
Damien was used to Adam’s morning fog so they both sat quietly and enjoyed their last morning of normal. After they both drained the coffee and their bladders they got dressed and met in the kitchen for their last round of coffee. “So what's the deal today?” Damien asked. “I reckon we go shopping like money is going out of style.” Adam replied and Damien continued, “That’s what’s up. Like I said, I got one call to make and I'm good to go. I already signed the check over to Rae for her to take care of the financial stuff for my brother. I got my bag in my inventory already, which is absolutely bonkers to think about.” They both laughed. “Bro, we got an inventory. Technically it's an enhanced Bag of Holding, but close enough.” Adam said.
Rae shuffled in and Adam handed her a cup. “Mmmhmm. Thanks honey,” she said and gave her husband a kiss. “We got a lot of shopping to do. I’m going to give Damien my car to go shopping and I’ll take yours. Lord willing, we will be back just after lunch. You need me to get anything for dinner tonight?” “No,” Rae answered. “We should have what we need. Just come back quickly. You do have a daughter that is going to miss you terribly.” “I know hun.” They embraced for a moment and broke apart with a kiss.
“Damien, you are more than welcome to come to church with us tonight.” Rae offered. He shook his head and waved his hands. “I’m alright. No offense, but it’s not for me. I’m not going to let something like this change me on a dime. If the time comes where I feel like I should, you guys will be the first to know.”
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Adam tossed his keys to Damien, “If you get lost, figure it out.” Adam winked at his friend and they both left to get their last minute survival gear. After a few hours, Adam was back. He had the SUV loaded up. Unfortunately, he did not clear out his inventory before he left and still had his whole work van in there. He pulled down to the barn where he and Grant kept all their tools. He found a clear spot and started unloading everything that was unnecessary.
After about an hour of loading and unloading his inventory to get it to five percent of maximum capacity, he took one final look using his WHIP. Satisfied with what he accomplished, Adam went back to the house and enjoyed a final meal with his family. Adam told his in-laws and his daughter that he had an opportunity to work overseas for the next six months to learn a new technology for HVAC. They also knew a big bonus was paid up front and they were going to be financially stable while he was gone.
The dinner was somber and once it was over they got dressed and left for church. The service was exactly what Adam needed to center himself. The opening part of the service was filled with some of his favorite songs and set the atmosphere for the preaching. The sermon the preacher brought forth was powerful and at the end of the service Adam and Michael went up for prayer. They explained they were going away for a few months and the preacher got them both prayer clothes and prayed over them.
Returning home, Adam had got his daughter ready for bed and laid down with her on the couch. By the time she fell asleep, both Damien and Michael were just pulling into the driveway. Adam laid his daughter down and kissed her good night and good bye. “I love you boog,” he whispered and walked out to find Rae waiting for him in the living room. “So…” “So…” Adam replied. They held each other for a long time. Adam was thankful his friends waited outside. Drying up their tears, Adam spoke first. “More than anything. I love you. I’m going to miss you two.”
Rae pulled something out of her pocket, hiding it in her hand. “I got you something to take with you.” Rae opened her hand. “Aww. How did you get this?” He asked. “I’ve had it. It was supposed to be for Christmas, but since you won’t be here I figured you would like it while you were gone.” Adam looked down as the assortment of rings. While he worked with electricity, he never felt comfortable with a metal wedding band. The silicone rings were cheap and Adam refused to wear them because he felt a marriage should be respected more than that. Now he had several rings to choose from while he was gone.
He never held it against his wife for wearing them when she grew out of her wedding rings after she had their daughter. “I just so happened to get you something too.” He smiled and pulled out a similar box. They both laughed as she opened it. It was an exact copy of her wedding set, but one size bigger. “Adam,” She started to say before she started crying again. He slid them right on and they fit just like the day they got married. “Nothing is going to stop me from coming home to you.” He kissed her hand and pointed at the ring, “And on this rock, the gates of Hell shall not prevail against us.” She laughed at his play on scripture.
“I miss you already.” Rae said. “I’ll pray for you guys every day.” He told her. “I will too sweetheart.” Adam gave his wife one last kiss and rested his head on hers. Without another word, Adam walked down the hallway and out the door. His heart ached when he pulled the door closed behind him, stepping out into the crisp night and moving towards his friends. With a nod to both of them, Adam got into the back of Michael’s car. Damien and Michael got in after and they drove off in silence towards Simon’s house.