Passages - Chapter 9: Coming Home

The Return of Elise

To start with Chapter 1, go here.

Henry and Elise grew to know one another through a couple of hospital visits and time spent talking casually with Calliope and Papa. It seemed odd that Momma didn’t know Henry, Calliope pondered the morning of Elise’s return home. Actually, Calliope had known Henry almost as long as she’d known her mother before the pandemic. Elise and Henry seemed to develop a mutual admiration society almost immediately. Typically loving, if a bit precocious, Henry took to momma like a bear to honey.

Calliope noticed that only Papa seemed a bit reserved around Elise. He tended to spend time with the other folks waking up. Maybe he’s just feeling like they need him more, she thought.

Daniel picked Elise up from the hospital while Calliope and Henry finished last minute preparations at home. “I am so happy to be out of that hospital. I know I’ve only been awake for a few days, but I swear it felt like an eternity.” Elise sighed heavily. “I’m so grateful to have a family to go home to.” She reached for Papa’s hand. He looked at her with a quiet smile, but said nothing. “And I know you and Calliope anxiously await my story of the last ten years, but for now, could we just enjoy this time together?”

“Absolutely,” was all Papa said as they climbed into his truck and headed home. On the way home, Elise quietly stared out her window, taking in everything around her. She didn’t ask any questions or make any comments, but processed what she saw in her own mind.

Elise appeared delighted by the fresh flowers, baking bread and overall atmosphere of their home as Calliope took her on a tour with Henry in tow. Stepping once again into her old, familiar bedroom, Elise oohed and aahed over how freshly clean and neatly kept it all seemed. “I can’t believe you didn’t change my room. It has been ten years and you kept it just the same,” Elise whispered to Calliope as they sat together on the edge of Elise’s bed.

“Papa knew you’d wake up one day…he just knew it. We’d talked so much about how beautiful this day would be. We’re so happy to have you back!” Calliope cried on her mother’s shoulder. Elise held her daughter, quietly smiling.

“Dinner tasted amazing, Cali, “ Elise noted after their homecoming meal. “You’ve really turned into an excellent cook,” and then looking around, “and housekeeper. It’s all so homey and clean. I am really proud of you.”

“Ah, Cali does a lot more than that.” Papa spoke up for the first time since they’d toasted Elise’s return. He smiled fondly at Calliope. After dinner, Calliope asked Elise if she might like to take a drive. Elise glanced at Daniel. “You girls go catch up. Henry and I will clean up dinner dishes.” Without a word, they headed out the door.

Calliope urged her mother to quickly jump in the truck, briefly mentioning the suckers. Elise looked at her, somewhat puzzled, and commented, “I guess there have been a lot of changes since I left,” Calliope thought that “left” was an odd expression since her mother had been asleep in the hospital the whole time. She added it to the mental list of things they needed to discuss. Feeling overwhelmed, she realized this was the first time she’d been alone with her mom since Elise woke up. She had no idea where to start. Calliope could feel her mom glancing over at her as they traveled away from the house.

“Can we go to the beach? We can stay in the truck if it’s not safe to be out.” Elise asked quietly, then added, “The beach really fascinates me.” Calliope paused for a moment. She looked at her mom, who just smiled back. Elise had grown up on the coast. She’d always said the beach gave her peace and reminded her of how the natural world was so much bigger than her. How did the beach “fascinate” her? Elise almost sounded like she’d never been there before. Maybe it’s just a result of being asleep so long, Calliope thought. She chided herself for over-analyzing her mom’s words.

“Sure, Mom” she replied. “I love the beach too.” Calliope teared up as she spoke, amazed that she was actually speaking to her Mom.

Elise immediately noted softly, “Yes, I have always loved the beach.” It felt as if she was reminding herself of something.

Choosing access that allowed her to drive directly on the beach, Calliope went a short distance and pulled up facing, but not near, the receding tide. She rolled down her window part way to signal to her mom that it was safe to do, and Elise followed suit. It was a clear night with a bright moon rising up over the horizon. The sound of the waves felt soothing and rhythmic, calming Calliope’s heart a bit. She wondered if her mom felt as nervous as she did.

Elise spoke first, as if reading Calliope’s mind, “l feel a bit off kilter. I mean you were twelve years old the last time we were together.” Then, after a short pause, “Would you mind if we started with me catching up on your life?” Elise asked.

“Of course not,” Calliope said, while deep inside she just wanted to bombard her mom with questions. She needed answers, and soon. Then she realized that fear was building. Fear that she might now ever get her answers. Fear that her mom could just fall back asleep at any moment. She pushed it down, removed her seatbelt and turned to face her mom.

“So Daniel, I mean Papa, raised you?” Elise began.

“Oh yes, he was really the only person for the job,” Calliope said lightly. “I am lucky to have had him. Many children lost their parents without having other awake adults to care for them. I appreciate that I didn’t end up in a group home. Papa has been wonderful.”

“And you’ve had a good education?” Calliope paused for a moment. This wasn’t a question she expected at this point.

“Well, yes. Some retired teachers and other adults came together to start schools. Papa taught me practical life skills. Mrs. Davies helped too. She’s been like a grandmother to me.”

“Mrs. Davies?” Elise asked.

“You know Mrs. Davies. She was our neighbor before you…before you…fell asleep.” Calliope suddenly felt awkward. This isn’t what she imagined for her first real conversation alone with her mom.

Elise sat silently, as if pondering. After a few minutes, she broke the silence.

“I’m sorry, Calliope. I don’t actually remember her.” Calliope noticed that her mom didn’t look at her when she said this. She also didn’t look frustrated or perturbed, which is how Calliope thought she might feel if she’d forgotten someone she’d known for decades. Elise just looked thoughtful.

“That’s okay, Momma. It’s probably just because you’ve been asleep so long. I’m sure you’ll remember her when you see her again.” Calliope tried to sound encouraging.

Elise nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, she sat up straighter and asked, “Could we just go back home? I think this is a bit tiring for me. I probably need to take things slowly.”

Disappointed, but understanding, Calliope replied, “Of course. That makes sense.” She started the truck and they headed back home.

Daniel didn’t appear surprised when they came back so soon. He did see the disappointment in Calliope’s face as she glanced at him while taking off her shoes. He was a bit surprised to hear Calliope say, “Momma wanted to come home and rest. It was a bit much for her.” Although Elise gave Daniel a crooked smile, she didn’t look even a little tired.

“I’m going to lie down,” Elise called out as she headed to her room.

Daniel put his arm around Calliope’s shoulders and pulled her close. “Ah, Cali. Not what you expected? Want to talk about it?” But before Calliope could respond, someone pounded on the door. Papa released her, quickly walked through the mudroom and opened the door. Calliope heard, “Well, what a surprise.” But she noticed that Papa’s tone didn’t sound overly friendly. She couldn’t hear the response, but Papa opened the door wider and much to her amazement, the Locksmith rushed in.

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Beth’s Notes:

After much consideration, I realized this week that I needed to rewrite this chapter. I won’t give anything away, and tell you what I changed, but it felt like the right move. I had originally planned to head out to the beach and get a lovely night shot for you. But with this extended virus, that’s not happening right now. I’ll add it at a later date.

Excited to have the Locksmith back in the picture. He’s a favorite and I have big plans for him.

Hope you’re enjoying the read.

Curious about details of this serial novel or my writing process? Feel free to comment or dm me. I enjoy chatting with other writers and readers.

©Elizabeth Hempton 2024