West Coast East Heart Chapter 05
Three days later, I stood in the departure hall of Logan International Airport.
Adrian sent a voice message.
“Eve, Clara is in the hospital. Acute gastroenteritis. I have to stay with her.”
“When you arrive, maybe just get an Uber to the apartment yourself.”
I didn’t reply.
A moment later, he sent another message.
“Eve, why aren’t you answering? Things are really urgent here. I can’t come pick you up.”
I typed two words.
“Okay.”
Something about my reply seemed to sting him. He called immediately.
“Are you mad?”
“No.”
“Your tone sounds off.”
“My tone’s always like this.”
He was silent for a few seconds, then sighed.
“Eve, Clara is alone in Switzerland. No family. No friends. She has no one to help her in the hospital. I can’t just ignore her.”
“Mm.”
“Can you try to be a little understanding?”
“I’ve been understanding.”
“Then you…”
“I’ve been understanding for the past ten years. One more time won’t make a difference.”
Silence again on the other end.
Finally, he just said:
“Once you get here, I’ll make it up to you.”
I hung up, leaned back in my chair, and let out a long breath.
Ten years. It was all about to end.
Finally, the boarding announcement sounded.
I picked up my backpack and walked toward the gate for the flight to Los Angeles.
After a flight of over five hours, I saw the familiar yet unfamiliar California coastline.
My eyes immediately filled with tears.
An older gentleman next to me patted my hand.
“Miss, you’re here. Welcome home.”
“Yeah. I’m home.”