Okra put her chin in her hands thoughtfully.
"You've had shocks in your life before," she asked.
It was a comment more then a question.
"Yes I have," I acknowledged, "Most of the time it wasn't-..."
I paused considering how to finish that sentence. But Okra wasn't interested in that.
"This must have been the biggest shock you ever had. What was going through your mind?"
"What wasn't going through my mind," I countered.
((Flashback continues))
In a moment my world changed. It was Francine standing in front of me. I was speechless. I rushed in to hug her. I cried with joy. I never wanted to let go.
"I'm so sorry about everything I put you through," Francine said holding onto me.
"None of that matters right now," I told her, "You're home. You're safe. How did you get in?"
"I kept the key," she explained.
It was at that moment I knew things would never be the same again.
There was so many questions I had. There was so much I had to figure out. The thing really on my mind was I was so glad that I was the first person home that day. I got to see her first. I got that moment with her first. Yes, I know it was selfish but I couldn't help it.
"Can I take a shower," she asked me, "It's been so long."
"Of course," I said kissing her forehead, "You go shower up and I'm going to fix you a nice hot meal. I remember all your favorites."
She hugged me and existed into the bathroom.
As soon as I got into the kitchen I got out all the ingredients for Penne ala vodka. It's something I only make on a special occasion. This was a special occasion. It was right at that moment that Mary walked in.